The Tree of Life

Plot

In this allegorical Somali drama, a nomad living in a small town desperately needs wood and decides to cut down a tree for his use. However, in a tragic mistake, he fells not just any tree, but the sacred Tree of Life that sustains all existence in his world. As this ancient tree crashes to the ground, life itself begins to wither away - plants die, animals disappear, and water sources dry up. The nomad finds himself transported to an unfamiliar, barren desert landscape, completely alone and disoriented. During his desperate journey to find his way back, he encounters a small, dying sapling and, having learned from his devastating mistake, chooses to nurture and protect this new tree, representing hope for redemption and the restoration of life.

Historical Background

The Tree of Life was produced in 1988, a critical moment in Somali history. The country was then under the regime of Siad Barre, and while the government supported cultural productions as part of its nation-building efforts, the nation was already showing signs of the political instability that would lead to civil war in 1991. This period is now recognized as the golden age of Somali cinema, with the country producing up to 100 films per year at its peak. The film's environmental themes were particularly relevant as Somalia, like many Sahel countries, was experiencing increasing desertification and ecological challenges. The collapse that followed in the early 1990s would virtually destroy Somalia's film industry, making works like 'The Tree of Life' invaluable cultural artifacts that preserve a vision of Somali society and landscape from this pivotal moment in history.

Making Of

The production of 'The Tree of Life' took place during what would prove to be the final years of Somalia's stable government period. Director Abdulkadir Ahmed Said, who had studied filmmaking abroad, returned to Somalia with the vision of creating films that would preserve and celebrate Somali culture while addressing contemporary issues. The casting process involved traveling to remote nomadic communities to find authentic faces and performances. The film crew faced extreme weather conditions, including temperatures that could exceed 40°C during the day and drop dramatically at night. Equipment had to be transported by camel caravan to some locations. The director insisted on using natural light for most scenes to capture the authentic beauty and harshness of the Somali landscape. Post-production was completed in limited facilities in Mogadishu, with some work sent to Italy for final processing.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'The Tree of Life' is characterized by its sweeping desert landscapes and intimate character moments. Director of Photography Ahmed Ali Hassan utilized natural light to capture the dramatic contrasts of the Somali environment, from the harsh brightness of midday to the golden glow of sunrise and sunset. The camera work emphasizes both the vastness of the desert and the smallness of human figures within it, reinforcing the film's themes of humanity's relationship with nature. Long takes and minimal camera movement create a meditative quality that mirrors the rhythm of nomadic life. The visual progression from a world teeming with life to a barren wasteland is achieved through subtle changes in color palette and composition rather than obvious special effects.

Innovations

Despite limited resources and challenging production conditions, the film achieved remarkable technical accomplishments. The production team successfully captured the dramatic transformation from a living landscape to a dead desert using primarily practical effects and clever cinematography rather than post-production manipulation. The film's sound design, which had to record clear dialogue and natural sounds in often windy desert conditions, represents an impressive technical achievement. The seamless integration of professional and non-professional actors created authentic performances while maintaining narrative coherence. The preservation of the film through decades of conflict and instability stands as a testament to the technical quality of its original production.

Music

The film's score was composed by Mohamed Suleiman, who incorporated traditional Somali instruments including the oud, drums, and flutes. The music blends authentic Somali folk melodies with contemporary cinematic techniques to create a sound that is both timeless and immediate. The soundtrack features minimal dialogue, with much of the storytelling carried through music and natural sounds of the desert. The score evolves from rich, layered compositions representing a world in harmony to sparse, haunting melodies that accompany the desolate landscape. Traditional Somali songs performed by nomadic communities are woven into the soundtrack, adding cultural authenticity and emotional depth to key scenes.

Memorable Scenes

• The devastating moment when the Tree of Life falls, captured in slow motion with dust and leaves swirling around the shocked nomad
• The protagonist's journey through the transformed desert, emphasizing the stark contrast between the living world he knew and the wasteland he created
• The final scene where the nomad carefully waters and protects the small sapling, representing hope and redemption
• The opening sequence showing the vibrant life surrounding the Tree of Life, establishing what will be lost

What Critics Said

Upon its release, 'The Tree of Life' received widespread critical acclaim both in Africa and internationally. Critics praised its visual poetry, powerful allegorical storytelling, and the authenticity of its portrayal of nomadic life. Western critics particularly noted how the film transcended cultural boundaries through its universal themes while remaining distinctly Somali in its aesthetic and perspective. The film was hailed as a masterpiece of African cinema, with reviews highlighting its minimalistic approach and profound environmental message. In retrospect, film scholars consider it one of the most important African films of the 1980s and a key work in the global environmental cinema movement. Contemporary critics continue to reference it as an example of how allegorical storytelling can address complex ecological and spiritual themes.

What Audiences Thought

The film resonated strongly with Somali audiences, who recognized the authenticity of its portrayal of nomadic life and the importance of its environmental message. International festival audiences were deeply moved by its visual beauty and universal themes. The film developed a cult following among African cinema enthusiasts and environmental film advocates. Despite limited distribution due to the subsequent collapse of Somalia's film industry, those who have seen it often describe it as a transformative viewing experience. The film's message has become even more relevant over time, with new audiences discovering it through retrospectives and African cinema showcases.

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