Review: ‘Sudan, Remember Us’ – A Powerful Tale of Collective Hope

Published:

In the documentary, “Sudan, Remember Us” the daring filmmaker, Hind Meddeb, sets an ambitious goal. She narrates the impactful story of four years that drastically altered Sudan’s history, through the perspectives of a few young compatriots. During this period, a longstanding dictatorship of 30 years was overthrown by a populist revolution, which was later absconded by military junta. The focus of the film is on the courageous youth who were at the forefront of this dramatic change, Meddeb highlights the significant role of collective hope in mobilizing a whole generation amidst the chaos and the unsettling circumstances.

sajdhasd

Currently premiered in North America by the Toronto International Film Festival, the insightful documentary kicks off with Meddeb exchanging voice messages with the faces of the film shortly after a ferocious war ignites in March 2023. As the war continues to rage till date, the emotions which the voices express sparks immediate recognition and resonance – a compelling blend of desperation and hope. However, the core of “Sudan, Remember Us” is not centered on this war. Instead, it harks back to 2019, a time when the idea of substantial change appeared to be more than just a distant dream.

Illustration of a hand holding an iPhone with the Epic Games logo on the screen

Through three narrative strategies, Meddeb creates a collective storytelling experience. The revolution revolved around art and poetry, it was a woman-led movement that challenged patriarchal norms, and it began as a discourse about modest individual dreams which gradually evolved into loud public demands through the power of unity and solidarity.

Throughout the documentary, Meddeb emphasizes Sudan’s rich literary heritage. This is powerfully reflected in her fluid portrayal of poetry recitals by the youthful revolutionaries. The poetry, inspired by cultural forefathers who led previous uprisings in the 1960s and 1980s, is a spirited expression of their immediate circumstances and aspirational dreams. These scenes capture the determined resolve of the revolutionary youth to construct a better world, using the tools of drums, whistles and even stones striking against asphalt as the soundscape to their rebellion.

The journey from rhythmic chants to casual conversations, spurs a multi-dimensional narrative meticulously curated by Meddeb and editor Gladys Joujou. Whether in cafes, homes or on the streets, the subjects are always conversing, building the thematic framework of the documentary – discussions on women’s rights, religious malpractices, and most significantly projecting a hope-filled vision of the Sudan they yearn to inhabit. Their conversations highlight the unique individuality of Khartoum, the bustling capital city with a historical tapestry that has nurtured these intellectual and eloquent individuals.

All the soaring hopes and expectations experienced a brutal halt when the military ruthlessly dispersed the protesters’ sit-in in June 2019. Despite the graphic footage of violence and intimidation, Meddeb does not recoil from showing the harsh reality. Yet, through the despair and defeat, the film reflects the unbreakable spirit of the revolutionary youth who continue to dream of a better Sudan. This is the ultimate mettle of “Sudan, Remember Us,” a tale of unyielding collective resilience.

Mebbeb’s tribute to her homeland, its people and culture has only one odd aspect in the final sequence. The end credits play a French song, a foreign language to the Sudanese, in a film primarily celebrating Arabic oratory and vernacular. Nevertheless, during a time when Sudan confronts challenges of war, famine and mass displacement, this film serves as a beacon of hope, reminding of a better past and promising the possibility of a brighter future once the current crisis subsides.


Credit: variety.com

Related articles

You May Also Like