Goodbye Julia
Arabicوداعا جوليا
Directed byMohamed Kordofani
Written byMohamed Kordofani
Produced byAmjad Abu Alala
Mohammed Alomda
StarringEiman Yousif
Siran Riak
Nazar Gomaa
Ger Duany
CinematographyPierre de Villiers
Edited byHeba Othman
Music byMazin Hamid
Production
companies
Station Films
CULT
Klozium Studios
Distributed byMAD Solutions
Release date
Running time
120 minutes
CountriesSudan
Egypt
Germany
France
Sweden
Saudi Arabia
LanguageSudanese Arabic

Goodbye Julia (Arabic: وداعا جوليا, romanized: Wadāʻan Jūlyā) is a 2023 Sudanese drama film directed by Mohamed Kordofani. It is Kordofani's first feature film and the first film from Sudan ever to be presented in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.[1][2]

Goodbye Julia was selected by the Sudanese National Committee operating in exile to compete for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, but was later not included in the shortlist.[3]

Plot

Goodbye Julia tells the story of two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities. It takes place in Khartoum during the last years of Sudan as a united country, shortly before the 2011 separation of South Sudan. Mona, an upper middle-class former popular singer from the North, who lives with her husband Akram, seeks to attenuate her feelings of guilt for causing the death of a southern man by employing Julia, his unsuspecting widow, as her maid.[4]

Cast

  • Eiman Yousif as Mona
  • Siran Riak as Julia
  • Nazar Gomaa as Akram
  • Ger Duany as Majier

Background

Sudanese filmmaker Mohamed Kordofani lives in Bahrain and worked as an aviation engineer for many years before embarking on a career as a largely self-taught filmmaker. For his first 2015 short film Gone for Gold, he was distinguished as best director with the Sudanese Taharqa International Award for Arts . His second short film, Nyerkuk (2016),[5] received several distinctions, including the Network of Alternative Arab Screens (NAAS) Award at the Carthage Film Festival, the Jury Award at the Oran International Arabic Film Festival, and the Black Elephant Award of the Sudan Independent Film Festival.[6][7]

Among other project development grants, the film received support from the Beirut-based Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC),[8] the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt, the Swedish Malmö Arab Film Festival[9] and the Red Sea Fund in Saudi Arabia.[10]

Main roles were played by Sudanese singer and actress Eiman Yousif and Siran Riak, a former Miss South Sudan and fashion model born in today's South Sudan, who never before acted in a film.[11][12] - Commenting on the social context of his film, Kordofani said:

“The racism that was practiced for many decades from most Northern Arabs, government and people, was a major reason for the southerners choosing to secede.[13] I consider Goodbye Julia a call for reconciliation and a spotlight on the social dynamics that led to the separation of the South."[7]

The film was produced by Dubai-born and -based Sudanese film director and screenwriter Amjad Abu Alala, whose 2019 drama film You Will Die at Twenty won the Lion of the Future Award for best debut film at the Venice Film Festival as well as the Golden Star for best narrative film at the El Gouna Film Festival. Further, this film was Sudan's first ever submission to the Academy Awards.[11] Goodbye Julia also was co-produced by a number of Sudanese, Egyptian, German, French, Swedish and Saudi Arabian film production companies.

Owing to challenging political conditions and lack of infrastructure for cinematography, shooting of the scenes took 40 days from 6 November to 15 December 2022. The musical score by Sudanese musician Mazin Hamid was recorded during ongoing clashes between the military and civil society in Khartoum.[14] It includes music of Sudan referring to both communities, such as a song by northern songwriter Sayed Khalifa and by a choir in a southern Christian church.[15]

In an interview with NPR network, Kordofani talked about his personal experience as a northern Sudanese with the discrimination towards southerners, his feeling of guilt and motivation to make this film just before the outbreak of the devastating military conflict that started on 15 April 2023:[16]

Of course, I'm going to face a lot of hardship and criticism and controversy once the film screens because not a lot of people will like how the northerners are portrayed in the film. [...] No one in the film is depicted as wholly good or wholly bad because I do understand that even the northerners are victims of their societies and their communities and the values that have been passed on to them through the generations. So, I am able to empathize with all characters in the film. Yet I can point out where I think the problem lies.

— Mohamed Kordofani, Sudanese film director

International reception

Goodbye Julia premiered with an audience of 1,000 spectators on 20 May 2023 in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The screening and the following post-premiere Q&A with the cast and crew, including comments on the ongoing 2023 Sudan conflict, received standing ovations.[17] Further, Goodbye Julia was also shown in more than 30 international film festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival,[18] Karlovy Vary,[19] Melbourne,[20] Chicago,[21] Warsaw[22] and the Montreal International Black Film Festival.[23]

In September 2023, Goodbye Julia was nominated as Sudan's candidate for Best International Feature Film at the 96 Academy Awards, to be announced on 10 March 2024.[24] This nomination received the support of Black Panther actress Lupita Nyong’o as executive producer.[25]

On 25 October 2023, Goodbye Julia was launched commercially in 20 Egyptian cinemas, selling a record number of box office tickets for foreign films in Egypt in its first two weeks.[26][27] Starting on 8 November, it has been shown in Paris and more than 20 other cities in France,[28] and on 7 December, it opened in cinemas in the Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia.[29]

Critical reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, Goodbye Julia received 100% based on 9 reviews of international film critics.[30]

Reviews of the premiere were very positive, highlighting the film's dramatic storytelling of personal relationships before a wider social and historical background. Writing for Cineuropa portal, film critic Fabien Lemercier said: "Mohamed Kordofani offers up wonderful snapshots, overviews and explanations of all the nuances of the acute Sudanese situation of the time. [...] It makes for a film of impeccable quality, marking the birth of an incredibly promising filmmaker and confirming the emergence of a 7th art in Sudan."[31]

In a similar way, the Hollywood Reporter wrote:

Goodbye Julia will bring to life Sudanese issues for audiences. Kordofani’s fine direction balances the film’s multiple modes: It’s a drama, with shades of a thriller and a sense of its own politics. With its classic, accessible style, Goodbye Julia will surely rally more support for the cinema of Sudan, a nation full of stories that need to be told about its past and present.

— Lovia Gyarkye, ‘Goodbye Julia’ Review: An Operatic Drama Nimbly Tackles the Story of a Fractured Sudan, The Hollywood Reporter [32]

In her review for Variety magazine, Jessica Kiang wrote:[33]

Telling the story of a fraught friendship between two very different women, Kordofani’s intelligent, compassionate scripting ensures that the political never overwhelms the personal. [...] Both women are equally flattered by Pierre de Villiers’s warm, close-up-rich photography, but Julia remains the less well-developed. Then again, despite her relative poverty and being on the sharp end of every -ism (colorism, racism, sexism, ethnocentrism) that bedevils Khartoum at this moment in time, Julia has from the outset the freer spirit; it is Mona who is most in need of change.

— Jessica Kiang, Two Women Forge a Connection Across Devastating Divides in an Engrossing Sudanese Drama, Variety magazine, June 2023

Writing for BBC News, Shereen Sherief praised both the film's scenario and photography and gave special credit to the soundtrack, as well as to the two main actresses, who "explore the deep-seated tensions and divisions that resulted in the split of Sudan."[34]

What makes Goodbye Julia truly remarkable is the level of artistry exhibited throughout the film. It is astonishing to think that this is Mohammed Kurdafani's directorial debut, especially considering his lack of formal training in cinema. The high standards of craftsmanship are evident in every frame, from the visually stunning cinematography to the nuanced performances by the cast.

— Shereen Sherief, BBC News, ‘’Goodbye Julia’’ makes history in Cannes 76

In Cairo, Wael Khairy, editor of SceneNow website, praised the "emotional punch and [...] nuanced insights of the disturbing racism that Southerners endure on a daily basis." Despite this, he also wrote that "The opening scenes in Khartoum are filmed with the tension of a ticking time bomb, but as it approaches the second and third acts, it stumbles and treads familiar ground."[35]

In a December 2023 review of the 10 best Arab films of the year, Al Jazeera listed Goodbye Julia in first place. The article praised the film's storyline, complex main characters, musical score and, most of all, Kordofani's script and directing.[36]

Awards and distinctions

Awards and distinctions for Goodbye Julia
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Cannes Film Festival 27 May 2023 Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award) Goodbye Julia Won [37]
Septimius Awards 28 September 2023 Best African Film Goodbye Julia Won [38]
Chicago International Film Festival 20 October 2023 Roger Ebert Award Goodbye Julia Won [21]
Leeds International Film Festival 19 November 2023 Audience Award for Fiction Feature Goodbye Julia Won [39]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Cannes Film Festival to celebrate more women directors, African talent". RFI. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  2. ↑ "Goodbye Julia makes history in Cannes 75". Yahoo News. 25 May 2023.
  3. ↑ "The Academy Announces Ten Shortlists Ahead of the 96th Oscars Nominations | Above the Line". 21 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  4. ↑ الشرق (13 April 2023). ""وداعاً جوليا".. أول فيلم سوداني في مهرجان كان | الشرق للأخبار". Asharq (in Arabic). Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  5. ↑ "Nyerkuk: the Latest by Kordofani Films by Ola Diab". Andariya. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  6. ↑ Lora-Mungai, Marie; Pimenta, Pedro (2021). "The African film industry. Trends, challenges and opportunities for growth". UNESCO. p. 230. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 Rosser, Michael. "MAD Solutions moves into sales with Cannes' first Sudanese title 'Goodbye Julia' (exclusive)". Screen. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  8. ↑ "AFAC". www.arabculturefund.org. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  9. ↑ "2021 Funding Feature Narrative Projects – Goodbye Julia | Malmo Arab Film Festival". www.maffswe.com. 14 March 2021. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  10. ↑ "Sudanese Film "Goodbye Julia" Clinches Five Prizes From El Gouna Film Festival". sudanow-magazine.net. 1 November 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  11. 1 2 Mullally, William (13 April 2023). "Cannes 2023: Sudan makes history with first film ever selected for fest". Esquire Middle East. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  12. ↑ "Goodbye Julia - EgyptToday". www.egypttoday.com. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Goodfellow, Melanie (10 May 2023). "'Goodbye Julia' Trailer: Khartoum-Shot Drama Makes History As First Sudanese Feature To Play In Cannes". Deadline. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  14. ↑ Sheded, Mona (20 May 2023). "'Goodbye Julia' producer on Cannes' first Sudanese title: "Civil war might destroy the country, but it won't stop us filmmakers"". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  15. ↑ Salih, Thuraya (28 October 2023). "My Thoughts on Goodbye Julia". Medium. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  16. ↑ Fadel, Leila; Advani, Reena; Harrell, Phil (7 June 2023). "Ethnic and religious divisions fuel Sudanese film 'Goodbye Julia'". www.npr.org. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  17. ↑ "Sudan's debut at Cannes: Goodbye Julia premieres to standing ovation - Screens - Arts & Culture". Ahram Online. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  18. ↑ M. A. D. Solutions. "Goodbye Julia - MAD Distribution Films". mad-distribution.film. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  19. ↑ Roxborough, Scott (5 July 2023). "Karlovy Vary: Sudan Director Mohamed Kordofani on Addressing the Legacy of Racism and Civil War in 'Goodbye Julia'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  20. ↑ "GOODBYE JULIA and INSHALLAH A BOY selected for Melbourne International Film Festival | Al Bawaba". www.albawaba.com. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  21. 1 2 "59th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Award-Winners". www.rogerebert.com/. 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  22. ↑ "Goodbye Julia". Warsaw International Film Festival. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  23. ↑ "GOODBYE JULIA". Festival International du Film black de Montréal. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  24. ↑ Thomas, Carly (26 September 2023). "Sudan Selects 'Goodbye Julia' for Its Academy Awards Submission for Best International Film". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  25. ↑ "'Black Panther' Star Lupita Nyong'o Joins Sudan's Oscar Submission 'Goodbye Julia' as Executive Producer". variety.com. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  26. ↑ "Sudanese film Goodbye Julia released across Egyptian cinemas". Ahram online. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  27. ↑ Al-Masry Al-Youm (9 November 2023). "Sudanese film 'Goodbye Julia' tops Egyptian foreign box office, earning LE1.8 mln in 2 weeks". Egypt Independent. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  28. ↑ AlloCine, Goodbye Julia (in French), retrieved 14 November 2023
  29. ↑ "Goodbye Julia in Cinemas in the GCC in December 2023". 500 Words Magazine. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  30. ↑ "Goodbye Julia - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  31. ↑ Lemercier, Fabien (21 May 2023). "Review: Goodbye Julia". Cineuropa - the best of european cinema. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  32. ↑ Gyarkye, Lovia (20 May 2023). "'Goodbye Julia' Review: An Operatic Drama Nimbly Tackles the Story of a Fractured Sudan". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  33. ↑ Kiang, Jessica (30 May 2023). "'Goodbye Julia' Review: Two Women Forge a Connection Across Devastating Divides in an Engrossing Sudanese Drama". Variety. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  34. ↑ "Goodbye Julia makes history in Cannes 76". BBC News. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  35. ↑ Khairy, Wael (25 May 2023). "Cannes 2023: 'Goodbye Julia' is a Sudanese Tale of Guilt & Racism". SecneNow. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  36. ↑ طلعت, علياء (24 December 2023). "أفضل الأفلام العربية في 2023.. "وداعا جوليا" و"كذب أبيض" في المقدمة" [The best Arab movies in 2023. "Goodbye Julia" and "White Lies" in the Foreground]. الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 8 January 2024.
  37. ↑ "Goodbye Julia, first film by Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani, Prix de la Liberté at Cannes". www.sortiraparis.com. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  38. ↑ "WINNERS – Septimius Awards". Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  39. ↑ "LIFF 2023 Audience Awards". www.leedsfilm.com. 19 November 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
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