Goodbye Julia
Goodbye Julia [2023]
Starring Siran Riak, Eiman Yousif, Ger Duany
Direction Mohamed Kordofani
Language: Arabic
It's very rarely that I get to see Arabic movies in the cinema: most of the ones that come to my area are mainstream and not really worth a lot of significant attention. Luckily, Goodbye Julia came to my local cinema, and it piqued my interest. When I found out that it was in the 'Un Certain Regard' section of the Cannes Film Festival, I made my mind. I had to see it. This was the first Sudanese movie I have seen - and I'm going to make sure that this is not the last.
One thing I loved about this movie was the intensity: the intensity of the racial and ethnic divides between the Northern Arabs and the 'Southerners' was conveyed so perfectly. Unlike 'Alam', the desperation for a new state, the desperation of the struggle for a new nation, was done in a way that was strong and powerful. The violence of racism, the police force, and people was done in such a way where I was taken aback at certain parts. I could tell that this movie struck a chord with those Sudanese who were watching in the cinema with me. Seated behind me was a group of elderly Sudanese women, who laughed whenever there were mentions of racism or hatred. It was almost as if the laughing was a coping mechanism for trying to downplay years of intolerance finally be seen through the screen. Sudan was ready to create a film like this, but, much like 'Joyland', I don't think people were ready to watch. I loved it, but at the end of the day, I am not Sudanese: it is not my country's history that was put to the limelight in this movie.
There's another point I would like to talk about: the music. The movie incorporated various singles from Sudanese singers, which all seemed to be very nostalgic for the Sudanese audience around me. However, because this movie isn't very mainstream, I haven't been able to find the soundtrack! I wish I could, there are a couple of songs I would add to my playlist right now if I had the chance.
The two leading women performed phenomenally: Mona (Eiman Yousif), and Julia (Siran Riak) were incredible. However, I do think Eiman Yousif edged Riak out. She was by far the strongest link in the production, portraying the role of someone so multifaceted in a beautiful way.
There's another thing I would like to say, but it's not about the movie in particular, its more about the wider contextual setting of the film. I found it interesting that the movie celebrated the cultural heritage of both Sudan and South Sudan: it definitely exposed me to cultures I am not very familiar with. It was also interesting just to understand how South Sudan was formed: at school, we briefly study the creation of South Sudan under an agreement in 2005, but I didn't know about the little details leading to its creation, the years of subjugation under racism and failed communication. It was interesting to me in particular: the break up of Sudan mirrored the partition of British India, a historic event which has defined my own history, in many ways.
If you couldn't already tell, this movie is a must watch. Most of the international feature films nominated for Oscars are in the Global North: featuring films from developed countries in Asia and Europe. Give this movie a try - it'll open your eyes up to seeing all the budding film talent in emerging areas globally.
