I’m Ilhan Abdullahi, a Somali-Canadian living on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver, Canada. As a storyteller, public health instructor, and screenwriter, I’m passionate about centering the lived realities of Black and Muslim migrant communities in my work. Through my storytelling and research in film, I aim to explore how community organizing and narrative storytelling can contribute to the liberation of the communities I am part of.

In 2021, I was honored to be selected as one of the emerging Black filmmakers in Vancouver for the Being Black in Canada Film program, where I wrote and directed my short documentary, “Dreamers”, focusing on the Somali refugee community. I also received the Telus StoryHive’s Black Creator’s Edition grant, which allowed me to co-write and co-produce my short comedy film, “Not For Us”, available on Telus Optik TV. Most recently, I participated in the Whistler Film Festival Screenwriters Lab to develop my feature film, “Lifeline”.

I believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and connection, and I am dedicated to amplifying voices that are often marginalized. As I continue my journey in film, I hope to create work that not only entertains but also inspires change and brings attention to the experiences of my community. I look forward to the opportunities ahead to further explore these themes and contribute to a more inclusive narrative landscape.