‘Khartoum’ Review: A Collective of Filmmakers Captures an Embattled City With Ingenuity and Hopeful Spirit

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In the movie “Khartoum,” five main characters and four filmmakers share the tale of a vibrant city that, despite enduring a prolonged and brutal conflict, continued to shine brightly. The filmmakers had begun working on “Khartoum” prior to the war erupting in April 2023. Unfortunately, they were compelled to depart from Sudan before they could complete filming. They then found solace and support in each other while brainstorming innovative methods to narrate a story unique to the city they hold dear – Khartoum. This unyielding determination and resourcefulness make “Khartoum” an essential viewing experience.

The main characters are Lokain and Wilson, who scavenge bottles as pre-teens to survive; Jawad, a volunteer with the local resistance group fighting against military rule; Khadmallah, a Sudanese tea stall owner in the city, providing a sanctuary for friends and passersby; and finally, Majdi, a civil servant who earns his living under the oppressive regime but yearns for personal liberty and prosperity for his family.

In this scenario, distinct storylines are handled by individual filmmakers: Rawia Alhag handles Lokain and Wilson, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed takes on Jawad, Anas Saeed works with Khadmallah, and Brahim Snoopy deals with Majdi. Later, when they reunite in Nairobi, each contributes to the others’ narratives, forming a collaborative team of filmmakers and a community of displaced individuals striving to build a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place.

In Khartoum, a film I admire follows the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, which unfortunately overshadowed the people’s hard-won peaceful revolution that had finally ended three decades of authoritarian rule. The central characters find themselves grappling with fading dreams for a brighter tomorrow amidst citywide protests and rallies against the new military regime. Little did they know, those were just the beginning of troubles. When war erupted between the two power-holding militias, the filmmakers and their heroes found that fleeing was the only means to ensure safety.

In Nairobi, the movie recreates the day the conflict began, depicting it from four unique viewpoints. Lokain, Wilson, Khadmallah, Majdi, and Jawad not only portray themselves but also assume roles within each other’s narratives. Filmed in front of a green screen with additional visual effects and animation later, these scenes are no less impactful because they weren’t filmed amidst the turmoil of war. As they are present in all stories, the film transforms into a single unified story about Sudan rather than four distinct accounts of five individuals. Although they aren’t professional actors, their haunted expressions convey more than many skilled performers could. All of them have witnessed the atrocities of war personally, so they can authentically portray its horrors. Through this shared experience, they find a sense of camaraderie.

Instead of primarily focusing on depicting a war-torn city, “Khartoum” highlights the rich tapestry of its multicultural populace. The lens captures up-close images of individuals from various age groups, backgrounds, and ethnicities, thereby underscoring the peaceful coexistence that numerous administrations, prejudiced traditions, and societal norms have sought to dismantle. These discerning lenses reflect the filmmakers’ intimate knowledge and affection for the city, with each frame resonating with this love.

In the background, music that stirs nostalgia fills the air. These are tunes that every Sudanese individual would undoubtedly recognize – anthems filled with pride, love, and a sense of community. The lyrics resonate deeply, transporting viewers to a more positive era in history, while simultaneously conveying the message that this past can be revisited. By skillfully selecting these songs, the filmmakers subtly instill hope in their audience, suggesting that even amidst war and division, Sudan’s spirit remains unbroken and capable of revival. In recreating not just the hardships but also the dreams and happier moments of their characters in Khartoum, the filmmakers keep the flame of hope burning brightly.

The city of “Khartoum” mirrors the raw talent of its group of novice filmmakers, who didn’t spend their childhoods tinkering with cameras. It may lack polish, but its power lies in its genuine and innovative essence. These filmmakers banded together to find ways to bring their narratives to life. This isn’t a film that claims to be a true account of events; instead, it experiments with the very nature of cinematography. Employing diverse techniques such as green screen, animation, and imaginative sequences, they crafted a movie that couldn’t have been completed in its initial setting. It serves not only as an artistic expression but also a means of healing for both the filmmakers and their subjects. Regardless of whether viewers have visited Khartoum or not, they might find themselves warmed by a sense of connection.

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2025-02-01 03:16