The MapMakers: Project Somaliland EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY

Take a trip to Somaliland and travel off the international map. Despite winning independence in a brutal civil war 20 years ago, Somaliland remains to be unrecognized by the international community. Eclipsed by Somalia's ongoing and complex troubles, Somaliland's milestones of restoring law and order, a rich democracy, and a running infrastructure without any aid from external sources tend to go unnoticed.


Project Somaliland is a documentary about traveling to an internationally isolated nation. In this short film, MapMaker's Amy & Mike investigate the people and perspectives that helped to establish durable peace, security and democracy in Somaliland. Amazed by the role clan politics and nationalism play in establishing stable infrastructure -- this new view on relationships was one for the "Map".


As the travelers wander across the state from Hargeissa to Berbera, with self appointed 18year old guide Mohammed, the filmmakers meet many Somalilanders happy to share their insights on subjects like -- International Recognition, Diaspora, and the future of Somaliland.


Wander off the beaten path, and you'll be amazed at what you find. For in a nation with so much associated "danger", The MapMakers discover people who have overcome hardships and continue to move forward with their own peculiar grace.

Somalia; Political islam; Popular religion and institutional religion; Nationalism and the post-colonial state in africa; State-making; Horn of africa; Political identities and citizenship; Territorial politics

URL

http://www.cas.ed.ac.uk/research_student_profiles/peter_chonka

PhD Title

Transnational religious discourse, political identity and state formation in the Somali Horn of Africa.

My Background

My previous degrees were both completed at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (BA Chinese and Politics, MSc. State Society and Development). Before coming to Edinburgh I was based for two years in Hargeisa, Somaliland/Northern Somalia. I was working for the University of Hargeisa in establishing a new English language teaching program as well as developing my own (Somali) language skills in preparation for my current research. My topic focuses on the relationship between religious discourse/identity and political and social change in the Somali Horn of Africa.
Photo-journal/blog: http://petechonka.wordpress.com

Peter Chonka

http://www.cas.ed.ac.uk/research_student_profiles/peter_chonka

Name

Peter Chonka