The film sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter of Sudan’s revolution and serves as a testament to the enduring strength of Sudanese women.
Yasser Faiz’s drama short Bougainvillea will make its world premiere at the MENA Film Festival in Canada, running from January 25 to 30. The film is scheduled to screen as part of the Revolutions Programme at 6:45 PM on January 29 at the VIFF Center Cinema.
Set during Sudan’s 2018 revolution, Bougainvillea follows the story of six women imprisoned amidst the uprising. The film explores themes of resilience, resistance and the emotional toll of captivity, offering a raw portrayal of the struggles faced by Sudanese women during this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
With an unflinching depiction of political oppression, the film highlights the courage and determination of these women as they endure hardships while remaining steadfast in their fight for freedom.
Explaining his inspiration for the film, Faiz said: “The extraordinary role of Sudanese women in public life and political activism, especially during the December 2018 revolution, inspired me to create this film. To capture the reality of political imprisonment, I conducted interviews with former detainees to bring their harrowing experiences to light.”
He added: “Bougainvillea delves into a sensitive topic in a country where women face societal restrictions. Through the isolated space of imprisonment, the film portrays their fears, struggles, and dreams, celebrating their strength and resilience. It is a tribute to their courage, and I hope it inspires audiences worldwide by sharing their untold stories.”
The film was written and directed by Yasser Faiz and produced by Indeep Vision. It features Linda Omar, Islam Mubarak, Sohanda Abu Bakr, and Shams Mubarak. It was lensed, edited and produced by Ibrahim Ahmed, with a musical score by Amjad Abdullah.