With the film “Goodbye Julia”, Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani made history at the Cannes Film Festival by becoming the first Sudanese director to be officially selected. Unfortunately, this film failed to ward off the tragedies tearing Sudan and South Sudan apart. Released in theaters in France on November 8, the film highlights the deep divisions that mark the Sudanese people, ranging from racism to segregation.
The director dedicated this film to his father and the passing down of his name. Instead of having a son to carry on the family name, Kordofani decided to make a film that would live forever, beyond just a boy’s existence. Unfortunately, his wish to find peace for his country was not fulfilled. The filming of the film coincided with the military coup and the start of the war in Sudan in April 2023. The crew had to flee the country, as did many of the director’s friends and family members. During the Cannes Film Festival, Kordofani was helpless in the face of images of his city on fire broadcast on social media. The war has already caused numerous human losses and displaced millions of people.
“Goodbye Julia” tells the story of two women who have everything opposite: their origin, their skin color, their social class, their family. The two main actresses, Eiman Yousif and Siran Riak, magnificently embody these characters located at a key moment in the history of their country. Mona, played by Eiman Yousif, is a former singer from northern Sudan, who takes care of Julia, played by Siran Riak, a young Christian widow from southern Sudan. But Julia ignores the true intention of Mona, who belongs to the Arab majority in the north of the country.
The director explains that the film is about transformation, based on his own experience. He identifies with all the characters and inspired them through different phases of his life. South Sudan’s independence referendum in 2011 was a key moment for him, revealing the problems of racism and prejudice that exist throughout the country. Kordofani hopes his film will help break the cycle of violence and begin long-term reconciliation for Sudan.
Through “Goodbye Julia”, Mohamed Kordofani wanted to bear witness to the realities that are tearing Sudan and South Sudan apart. His film highlights the divisions, struggles and suffering that mark the country, with the hope of contributing to positive change. As the first Sudanese director selected at a festival as prestigious as Cannes, Kordofani is paving the way for a new generation of Sudanese filmmakers who want to make their voices heard and tell their stories. A true symbol of hope for a more peaceful and inclusive future.