“Khartoum” Documentary Highlights Sudan Life at Doha Film Festival

The feature-length documentary “Khartoum” was recently screened at the Doha Film Festival 2025, capturing the attention of film enthusiasts and the Sudanese community. Directed by Ibrahim Snoubi Ahmed, Timia Mohamed, Rawya Alhaj, Philip Cox, and Anas Saeed, the film explores the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of people in Sudan’s capital during periods of peace and war.

The documentary provides a unique glimpse into the experiences of its subjects, as well as the filmmakers themselves, who were forced to flee Sudan to seek safety in Kenya. Their journey and hardships are creatively portrayed using green screens, animation, and archival footage, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.

Co-director Rawya Alhaj shared her pride in the positive reception the film received, noting how it created a sense of solidarity among the Sudanese community and the wider audience. She emphasized that, despite the devastating impact of war, the people of Sudan remain united and resilient. Alhaj also highlighted the role of cinema in filling gaps left by weak media coverage, stressing that filmmakers now carry a significant responsibility to tell the country’s stories.

Ibrahim Snoubi Ahmed, another co-director, praised the film’s ability to bring together the Sudanese diaspora. He explained that film can serve as a therapeutic medium, allowing people in exile to feel represented and heard. “Every time people watch the film, they don’t feel marginalized,” he said, “because someone is telling their story and encouraging the world to take action.”

Director Philip Cox described the film’s evolution, noting that it originally aimed to discover and showcase new talent in Sudan. However, the war and its effects transformed the project into a broader creative work that highlights stories from diverse backgrounds. The documentary now serves as an urgent call for positive action and a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing Sudanese communities.

The documentary’s screening at Doha Film Festival also sparked conversations about the future of Sudanese cinema. The filmmakers stressed that artistic expression can provide an important voice for communities affected by conflict, helping to preserve culture, identity, and collective memory. By telling personal stories of ordinary people, “Khartoum” demonstrates how film can bridge distances, connect diasporas, and inspire hope despite adversity.

Audience members and critics alike appreciated the film’s creative approach and the emotional depth of its storytelling. By combining personal experiences, historical footage, and innovative visual techniques, the documentary offers a compelling insight into the social, cultural, and political realities of life in Sudan. It also emphasizes the transformative power of art to unite people and raise awareness of global issues.

“Khartoum” is more than a documentary; it is a testimony to the resilience, strength, and unity of the Sudanese people. Its screening at the Doha Film Festival 2025 not only celebrated Sudanese stories but also underscored the vital role of cinema in documenting history, inspiring action, and giving a voice to those affected by conflict. The film stands as a reminder of how storytelling through film can shape understanding and foster solidarity among communities worldwide.