The Nature of Distance Film Screening
Curated by doctoral researcher Umloda Ibrahim, this screening showcases the creative ways the Sudanese diaspora have used digital media platforms and filmmaking/content creation to reflect on their memories, positionality and share their own story in reaction to periods of conflict in Sudan.
ARC Public
Date: Wednesday 29 January 2025
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Venue: Advanced Research Centre, 11 Chapel Lane, G11 6EW
Category: Films and theatre
As with any start to a new year there is an unspoken universal rule to look ahead, to visualize and plan in hope for change, new memories and adventure. Yet, many of us are bound to the past, to the feelings of nostalgia and loss making it difficult to completely delve into the new.
In April 2023, a proxy war broke out in the capital city of Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forced and a parliamentary faction, the Rapid Support Forces. Caught in the crossfire were civilians who quickly fled to safety outside of the city, taking with them little. They believed that they would be returning shortly but found themselves in states of migration for longer than planned as fighting spread to major parts of the country. Similar to the 2018-9 revolution, social media platforms became pivotal in revealing what was happening on the ground, amplifying calls to an end to violence and showing solidarity. It has also been used to share different narratives of resistance especially through art, documenting journeys of migration and sharing personal archives.
The Nature of Distance observes this thread of identity, grief and resistance as it intersects with filmmaking and social media. This two-part event showcases the creative ways the Sudanese diaspora have used digital media platforms and filmmaking/content creation to reflect on their memories, positionality and share their own story in reaction to periods of conflict in Sudan.
From 27th until 31st January 2025, there will be an exhibition showcasing moving images by Sudanese digital creators at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow. On the evening of 29th January, there will be a film screening and Q&A will take place bringing together Sudanese digital creators’ work alongside the short documentary My Sister, Sara.
This event is in collaboration with ‘Thinking Culture’, a cultural programme from the School of Culture & Creative Arts.
Cover image by Ahmed Nogoud
Films
My Sister, Sara | Sarra Idris & Amin Elhassan | 30 mins | 2020
In late 2018 and throughout 2019, Sudan experienced months of protests that ultimately overthrew a 30-year dictatorship. Sara Elhassan was among the young grassroots activists who kept the world informed and connected during this time through social media, helping to mobilize global support for the cause of the Sudanese people. In ‘My Sister, Sara’, Elhassan and her older brother Amin, an ESPN sports analyst and TV personality, engage in a candid dialogue on survivor’s guilt, youth movements, and the role of women in the Sudanese revolution.
Road to Roots | @travellingsudania | 4.30 mins | 2024
Showcasing the northeast of Sudan, a London based photographer journeys from Khartoum to Mograt Island to trace her paternal roots.
Moving with Honour | @rimageorges | 3 mins | 2024
Inspired by a movement class, ‘Moving with Honour’ is an ode to Sudanese movement as well as the hope of freedom.
Khartoum Nights | @m.babikr | 1.30 mins | 2024
Marking the 478th day since Mohamed left his home, he reflects on his memories.
Tadween | @_abushama | 3 mins | 2024
Can you hear their voices, breathing life into the space?
Q&A panellists are still yet to be confirmed
The title of this event was inspired by Bentley Brown’s essay ‘Sudan’s “Diaspora” Dilemma’ in the ‘Routledge Handbook on Arab Cinema’
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This event is free, but ticketed.
You are welcome to bring your own food, but please take any rubbish away with you.