Sudanese awards at the African Women’s Festival

Sudan Events – Magda

The activities of the African Women’s Festival concluded in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, and the award for best film in the competition was awarded to the film Goodbye, Julia, while the award for the first work went to the documentary film No Simple Way Home, directed by Akuol de Mabior, daughter of the late Dr. John Garang.
“It was planned that actress Cyran Riak would attend to star in Goodbye, Julia, but complications related to the visa prevented that.” Mohamed Kordofani, the director of Goodbye, Julia, said on his Facebook page. Kordofani pointed out that the two films have a similarity, as Farewell, Julia deals with the events that followed the killing of Dr. John Garang and the social complexities that led to the secession of the south. Akol’s film follows the life of her mother, Rebecca de Mabior, following the killing of Dr. John Garang and the political complexities of the nascent state. “What is special about the matter is the representation and victory of two films about Sudan/South Sudan in the capital, Dakar, especially with the political/social changes that Senegal is going through, and the ability of art in general and cinema in particular to build bridges of communication, acquaintance, and inspiration between African countries despite the political leaders’ neglect of these relations.” He added.
He pointed out that the selection of the two films by the festival and the jury confirms West Africa’s interest in its east.
Kordofani said that he contacted director Akol and congratulated her on the award. He also sent a recorded message to the festival thanking them, the jury, and the mayor of Dakar for the appreciation.