Mohamed Kordofani (in an accomplished debut feature) teaches us about the political and social issues in Sudan in the early years of the Millennium through the eyes of two women on opposite sides of the conflict.

Power is held by the northerners, largely Arab speaking Muslims like couple Akram (Nazar Goma) and Mona (Eiman Yousif). The southerners are Christians with Nubian ancestry and are treated like second-class citizen’s in Khartoum, particularly as activism for the secession of the south increases.

Julia (Siran Riak) is a southerner, but having lived in Khartoum most of her life, she can’t understand what the problem is. That is, until Mona inadvertently causes the death of Santino, Julia‘s husband. In the central dilemma of the narrative, Moa=na gives Julia a job as a maid, while battling to keep her culpability a secret.

It’s a tidy way to show the larger picture of racism, prejudice and inequity. Both Mona and Julia are old enough to be pragmatic about their situations, but Julia‘s son Daniel is the niggling conscience that you know cannot be ignored.

It’s a rich story, with lots of warmth and detail building to a satisfying, dramatic moment in the third act. It felt like it laboured it’s point a little after that – too much exposition from the characters doesn’t give the viewer enough credit. It’s a small flaw though in an absorbing story.

Director: Mohamed Kordofani
Origin: Sudan (2023)
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Genre: Drama , Thriller

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