The film is produced by Amjad Abu Alala’s Station Films and co-produced by Ali Alarabi, CEO and founder of Ambient Light.
Mohamed Kordofani’s acclaimed Sudanese debut drama feature, Goodbye Julia, has continued its triumphant journey by securing the El Gouna Film Festival‘s Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. The film, recipient of the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard Freedom Prize and Variety Magazine’s MENA Talent of the Year at the festival, now adds another accolade to its impressive tally, bringing the total count to 21 awards since its debut in May.
The Cinema for Humanity Award, presented during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, marks the film’s third recognition in a week, solidifying its status as a powerful cinematic creation.
Film director Mohamed Kordofani said: “I am grateful that Goodbye Julia has been awarded the El Gouna Film Festival’s Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. This recognition is a tribute to the film’s creators, who are young individuals deeply connected to the December Revolution and its esteemed principles.”
Kordofani seized the moment to appeal for a united effort to halt the ongoing violence, emphasizing the need for assistance to the Sudanese people facing unimaginable difficulties. He stated: “The Sudanese people do not deserve the terrible difficulties they are experiencing, and they have the resilience to rebuild their homeland once the damage stops, as I did with my film. In the name of humanity, I implore you not to overlook what is occurring in Sudan and Gaza, and instead join us in asking for freedom, peace, and justice.”
Meanwhile, Amjad Abu Alala, the producer of Goodbye Julia, expressed immense joy upon receiving the esteemed audience award at the renowned El Gouna Festival, emphasising the film’s significance in the face of Sudan’s ongoing struggle. He dedicated the award to resilient individuals who have been displaced and those who remain steadfast in their homeland.
Abu Alala extended heartfelt appreciation to El Gouna Film Festival for believing in and supporting Sudanese cinema, acknowledging the festival’s stance amidst challenging circumstances and its demonstration of solidarity with Palestine.
In parallel, the film is enjoying success in France, debuting in 51 arthouse theatres and currently running on 67 screens nationwide for its seventh weekend. The recent release in the UAE, screening at 27 theatres, contributes to a total of 84 theatres across the GCC.
Goodbye Julia achieved historic commercial success in Egypt, recording the highest revenues for an Arab film at the Egyptian box office since its release on October 25th, accumulating over EGP 3m throughout its ninth-week journey.
The film continues its winning streak with awards such as an Audience Award at the Mostra De Cinema Arab, Best Film at the 2023 Belfast Film Festival’s International Competition, Excellence and Best Actress Award at Canada’s Muslim International Film Festival, and Best Director and Best Leading Actress in a Debut Feature Film at the 18th Cyprus International Film Festival.
Adding to its triumphs, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o has joined the film’s team as an executive producer, showing her support for the impactful story.
Egyptian critic Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rahim revealed that Goodbye Julia has been selected to compete for the Best Non-English Language Film Award at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Goodbye Julia unfolds the story of Mona, a retired northern Sudanese singer entangled in a tense marriage, haunted by guilt after covering up a murder. The film explores themes of redemption and forgiveness as Mona takes in the widow and son of the deceased, navigating the complexities of Sudan’s turmoil.
Starring Eiman Yousif, Siran Riak, Nazar Goma, and Ger Duany, Goodbye Julia is written and directed by Mohamed Kordofani and produced by Amjad Abu Alala, in collaboration with Mohamed Al-Omda. The film stands as a testament to the resilience of Sudanese cinema and the power of storytelling on the global stage.
