Cinema has always been a powerful means of expression and reflection on the social and political issues affecting our world. In this context, “Goodbye Julia”, the first Sudanese film in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival, directed by Mohamed Kordofani, is no exception. This poignant film tells the story of two women who are completely opposed to each other, but who find themselves linked by the upheavals of their country in the grip of segregation and a heartbreaking war.
The director, Mohamed Kordofani, wanted to make “Goodbye Julia” a symbol of reconciliation and peace for his country, Sudan. Unfortunately, fate decided otherwise. Filming for the film began just after a military coup in October 2021, which quickly plunged the country into a deadly war. The film crew had to flee Sudan, leaving behind a city plagued by flames and violence. Sadness and anger overwhelmed the director, who then watched helplessly as his beloved Khartoum was destroyed.
“Goodbye Julia” tells the story of Mona, a singer from northern Sudan, and Julia, a young widow from southern Sudan, Christian and from another ethnic group. These two women who are completely opposites will find themselves linked by an act of generosity from Mona towards Julia. But behind this noble appearance hides a terrible reality: the racism and segregation that divide their country. The film explores the personal transformation of the director himself, who was inspired by the different phases of his life and who chose to highlight the issues of tribalism, racism and prejudice plaguing Sudan.
Through the moving story of “Goodbye Julia”, Mohamed Kordofani hopes to help break the cycle of violence and begin long-term reconciliation for his country. He hopes that this cinematographic work can help put an end to the incessant wars that have ravaged Sudan since its independence in 1956, and bring people together rather than pushing them apart.
“Goodbye Julia” is more than just a film, it is a profound reflection on societies divided by the barriers of race, social class and origin. It is a call for tolerance, mutual understanding and reconciliation. In the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival, this Sudanese film has succeeded in attracting the attention and interest of international audiences. It has now been released in theaters in France, allowing a wider audience to discover this poignant and inspiring story.
Mohamed Kordofani made cinema history by becoming the first Sudanese director to be officially selected at the Cannes Film Festival. His film “Goodbye Julia” is a powerful testimony to the ravages of racism and segregation, but also to the hope of reconciliation and peace. By being released in theaters in France, it allows the public to discover another side of current affairs, that of a country torn by war and in search of redemption.