Khartoum Review: A Powerful, Humanising Portrait of Sudanese Lives
A film review by Bettina Gracias
In a world where migrants are increasingly being treated by all parties as faceless numbers causing all our woes, a film likeKhartoum is more important than ever.
Filmed on iPhones, Khartoum is an inventive take on the stories of five Sudanese people who were forced, very much against their will, to escape from the war in Sudan. The people tell their own stories in a touching and truthful way. In a style reminiscent of Gestalt therapy, the characters help each other reenact their memories through roleplay.
This film shows how crucial drama can be at revealing the humanity behind the news. At a time when people seem to have lost all compassion and politicians view migrants as statistical pawns on a chessboard to be eliminated to secure votes, Khartoum is a touching reminder of why we should open our hearts and not coldly close our doors.
Directed by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad and Timeea Mohamed Ahmed. With Philip Cox as creative director and writer.
For up-to-date information on screenings, check the official
website: www.khartoummovie.com
Author
Bettina Gracias
Bettina Gracias is a writer and arts commentator whose work spans film, theatre, and cultural storytelling. In addition to her thoughtful, human-centred reviews, she is an accomplished playwright, with several of her plays produced for BBC Radio. Her writing is known for its empathy, clarity, and commitment to amplifying unheard voices.
