We are the wave.
Mawimbi Studios is an East African film distribution and production company founded in Minneapolis. We exist at the intersection of diaspora identity, cinematic storytelling, and community ownership.
Mawimbi, waves in Swahili, is our philosophy. Stories move like water — they travel, transform, and reach shores they were never expected to touch. 80% distribution, 20% original production. All of it intentional.
The co-founders
Mahamed Sharif
Mahamed founded Mawimbi to build cinema rooted in the Somali and East African experience — and to give audiences a stake in the stories they champion.
Abdirahman Mohamed
Journalist and producer — worked on Apple TV's Little America. Abdirahman is passionate about bridging the gap between people and their communities, and shapes the storytelling voice at the heart of Mawimbi.