Sudan Director Mohamed Kordofani on ‘Systematic Racism’ Depicted in ‘Goodbye Julia,’ Sudan’s First Film at Cannes.

Mohamed Kordofani created a historic moment when his first feature film, titled “Goodbye Julia,” premiered at the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival in May.

This marked a significant milestone as it became the first-ever Sudanese feature film to be screened at Cannes.

The movie provides a gripping portrayal of the tense and violent political situation in Sudan, presenting it through the lens of a subtle domestic drama. It captivated both the audience and critics, ultimately receiving the esteemed Freedom Award in its category.

The story of the film unfolds just before the separation of South Sudan in 2011. It revolves around Mona (played by Eiman Yousif), an affluent woman from the northern region, who unintentionally hits and kills the son of a disadvantaged southern family with her car.

The grief-stricken father of the boy pursues Mona back to her home, where her husband, who holds prejudiced views towards dark-skinned southerners, shoots the man. Overwhelmed by guilt and seeking redemption, Mona hires the unaware wife of the man, named Julia (portrayed by Siran Riak), as her maid.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kordofani shared his thoughts from Bahrain, shortly after the outbreak of renewed violence in Sudan.