‘Sudan, Remember Us’ Review: Collective Hope Can’t Be Crushed in an Exhilarating Documentary

As a lifelong cinephile who has traversed the cinematic landscapes of the world, I find myself deeply moved and profoundly impressed by “Sudan, Remember Us.” The film is not just a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation, but a beacon of hope that shines through even in the darkest of times.

In the documentary “Sudan, Remember Us,” filmmaker Hind Meddeb undertakes a challenging mission. She aims to narrate four pivotal years in Sudan’s history from the perspectives of a handful of young individuals. During this period, a 30-year dictatorship was toppled by a popular uprising, only for that revolution to be subsequently seized by the military leaders of the nation. Instead of focusing on the broader political events, Meddeb offers a more profound insight – a contemplative and compassionate portrayal of how collective optimism can galvanize an entire generation.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating my first-hand experience with “Sudan, Remember Us,” which will have its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. The story unfolds through voice messages exchanged between the filmmaker, Meddeb, and her subjects following a devastating war in March 2023. Initially, these voices are strangers to us, yet their emotions – desperation and hope, coexisting poignantly as they verify their survival – immediately resonate. The fact that the conflict in Sudan persists nearly 18 months later intensifies the distress of those initial conversations. However, this film isn’t focused on the ongoing struggle. Instead, it transports us back to 2019, a time when significant transformation appeared plausible.

Meddeb weaves together three key storylines to narrate this tale. Rather than focusing on each character individually, she intertwines their journeys based on common themes. Initially, this was a revolution centered around poetry and artistic expression. Subsequently, it emerged as a feminist movement, with many of its influential figures being young women striving for freedom from the oppressive patriarchal system. Lastly, this revolution began as quiet personal aspirations, but soon escalated into vocal, collective demands in the public sphere due to collaboration and solidarity among the participants.

At the outset of her opening narration, Meddeb recognizes Sudan as a country rich in literature. As such, it’s not unexpected that her camera skillfully captures the poetic cadence inherent in its verses. Frequently, she films these young revolutionaries reciting poetry to one another, honoring their literary ancestors. Their poems are both immediate and reflective of their circumstances, yet they draw inspiration from those who led past rebellions in the 1960s and 1980s. These instances brim with frustration, but they also reveal the determination and resilience of these young individuals as they strive for a better world they envision for themselves. A crowd longing for transformation serves as the backdrop, their chants, whistles, and even the sound of stones against asphalt forming the music of their resistance.

Stepping aside from the pulsating scenes, I find myself immersed in the casual chats between Meddeb and editor Gladys Joujou, adding depth to the storyline. These conversations, happening in cafes, homes, or city streets, are a constant backdrop in the film. The skillful editing seamlessly weaves these dialogues into a broader thematic tapestry addressing women’s rights, religious misconduct, and most significantly, their vision for Sudan. The camera also captures Khartoum’s unique charm, emphasizing its rich history that has nurtured such articulate, intelligent individuals, giving the city its distinct identity.

In June 2019, the peaceful protestors’ sit-in was forcefully dispersed by the military, shattering all high hopes. Meddeb unsparingly presents disturbing footage from camera phones, depicting acts of torture and intimidation; the narrative also reveals instances of murder and imprisonment. However, even in this crushing defeat, the people’s aspirations for a brighter future remain resilient. It is this powerful determination that makes “Sudan, Remember Us” an inspiring tale of unbreakable collective endurance.

In Mebbeb’s affectionate letter to Sudan, its people, and its traditions, there seems to be a minor discord at the closing. Surprisingly, for a movie emphasizing Arabic and a specific Sudanese dialect, the end credits play a French song – a language unfamiliar to most Sudanese citizens. Yet, amidst their homeland’s current turmoil due to war, famine, and displacement of millions, this film presents a glimpse of a brighter era not too long ago. It might be seen as a sign of better times to come, something to cling onto until this crisis subsides.

2024-09-12 04:16

‘Sudan, Remember Us’ Review: Collective Hope Can’t Be Crushed in an Exhilarating Documentary

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