Mohamed Kordofani’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival evokes mixed feelings: He directed the inaugural Sudanese film showcased in the festival’s official selection during a time when escalating conflicts in Sudan have displaced nearly 1.1 million residents.
“I’m profoundly gratified and delighted that our film has reached Cannes, marking an exceptional achievement for the entire cast and crew, myself included,” he shared with Reuters on Monday.
“However, it’s also heart-wrenching… I’m strolling down the red carpet as people are forced to evade bullets and bombings.”
His film, “Goodbye Julia,” premiered on Saturday, offering an exploration of the impacts of South Sudan’s secession from Sudan in 2011 on individuals through the narratives of two women, Mona and Julia, performed by theatre actor and vocalist Eiman Yousif and model Siran Riak.
The tensions between the two nations persist despite being undermined by racial discrimination, warfare, and political instability.
Mona, a retired singer from Northern Sudan, attempts to expunge her guilt for concealing a murder by taking the South Sudanese widow of the victim, Julia, and her son into her house. Feeling incapable of confessing, she resolves to put the past behind her.
Sudan has been engrossed in conflicts between two military groups for over a month, with multiple ceasefire attempts proving ineffective.
The World Health Organization reports a total of 705 fatalities and a minimum of 5,287 injuries, although it is suspected that the actual death toll may be significantly higher.
Kordofani expressed his aspirations for a peaceful and reconciled Sudan in the future.
“I hope we can construct a new national identity that celebrates unifying values like freedom, justice, and coexistence,” he stated.
The journey of “Goodbye Julia” to the Cannes Film Festival is a poignant reminder of the ongoing crises many parts of the world face, even as their stories resonate globally. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on difficult circumstances and promote a sense of shared humanity. As Kordofani walked the red carpet, he carried with him the pride of his achievement and the hopes and struggles of his homeland, signifying the resilience and courage of artists amidst tumultuous times.
