Cannes, France – “Goodbye Julia,” a film directed by the talented Mohamed Kordofani, has not only made history as the first Sudanese film to be presented in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival but continues to win acclaim on the international awards circuit. Since its release, the film has secured more than 50 international awards, including the coveted Cannes Film Festival Freedom Prize, the Roger Ebert Award at the Chicago International Film Festival, and the Audience Choice at the Singapore International Film Festival.
“Goodbye Julia” explores themes of identity, culture, and personal sacrifice set against the backdrop of Sudan’s volatile socio-political environment. Through its narrative, the film captures the essence of cultural reconciliation and personal redemption.
The film tells the poignant story of Mona, a retired singer from northern Sudan, living in a strained marriage and grappling with guilt over her role in covering up a murder. In a bid for atonement, she welcomes into her home the widow of the deceased, Julia, a woman from South Sudan and her son, Daniel. As Mona struggles with her own secret burden, the wider sociopolitical issues of Sudan threaten to invade her domestic sanctuary and force confrontations with her past misdeeds.
Starring Eiman Yousif, former Ms. South Sudan Siran Riak, Nazar Goma, and Ger Duany, the film not only showcases stellar performances but also illuminates the diverse cultural fabric of Sudan.
Kordofani, a Bahrain-based Sudanese filmmaker, transitioned from a career in aviation engineering to filmmaking. His passion and self-taught expertise in the field have led him to create several noted short films, and “Goodbye Julia” represents a culminating point in his filmmaking journey. The movie was produced in collaboration with Amjad Abu Alala, director of Sudan’s first-ever Academy Awards submission “You Will Die At Twenty,” and Mohamed Al-Omda, co-producer of Yemen’s Berlin International Film Festival selection “The Burdened.”
The film’s production received support from several prestigious organizations, including the Beirut-based Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival, the Swedish Malmö Arab Film Festival, and the Red Sea Fund in Saudi Arabia.
Kordofani’s previous works include “Gone for Gold,” which garnered him the Best Director award at the Sudanese Taharqa International Award for Arts, and “Nyerkuk,” which received numerous accolades, including the NAAS Award at the Carthage Film Festival.
As “Goodbye Julia” continues its journey through various international film festivals, it serves not only as a beacon of Sudanese cinema but also as a significant cultural bridge, resonating with audiences worldwide for its universal themes and emotional depth. This global reception highlights not only the film’s artistic achievements but also its capacity to foster dialogue and understanding across diverse societal and cultural landscapes.