The documentary film Khartoum has won the prestigious Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize at the 25th edition of the Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights. The film was recognized for its poignant and authentic portrayal of the daily lives of Sudanese people who are caught in the turmoil of civil war and forced to navigate the struggles of exile.
Co-director Rawia Alhag explained the film’s unique approach: “The film’s idea is just to follow and capture the moment. After the war happened, we tried to re-enact what happened to them in Khartoum because we don’t have any footage of how the characters escaped from Khartoum to Nairobi.” This reflective style, using real-life testimonies and experiences, gave the audience an intimate window into the lives of those who had to flee their homes.
Khartoum stands out not only for its compelling narrative but also for the creative and resourceful way it was made. The film was produced by a team of five Sudanese filmmakers who used mobile phones to capture the footage. This decision was driven by the filmmakers’ desire to remain connected to the stories of the people they were documenting, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective of their experiences.
The film was especially praised for its deeply human and personal approach to the crisis in Sudan, providing a voice to those who have been displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict. By following the refugees’ journey from Khartoum to Nairobi, the film sheds light on the hardships of displacement while also emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize, named after the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, recognizes films that contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. Khartoum is the latest in a series of documentaries that have been acknowledged for their powerful storytelling and their ability to raise awareness about urgent global issues.
The film’s success at the Geneva International Film Festival highlights the growing importance of grassroots filmmaking, especially in regions like Sudan, where access to traditional resources and platforms is limited. The filmmakers hope that their work will inspire others to share untold stories and spark conversations about the ongoing crises in the region.
