Only a handful of films originate in Sudan due to the civil war  from 1983 to 2005, and this is the first to participate in the Cannes Film Festival.

This debut feature film from Mohamed Kordofani follows the story of Mona, a retired Northern Sudanese singer who is wracked with guilt after covering up a murder in the lead-up to the civil war.

In an attempt to make amends, and secretly seeking redemption, she takes a Southern Sudanese widow, Julia, and her son into her home.

Attempts to leave the past behind, however, are impossible. Kordofani reworked the script assiduously to achieve the well-rounded nature of the characters and unpack the complexity of the war, family secrets, cultural expectations, religion and politics. 

South Sudan was finally declared an independent country in 2011, but is still troubled. This film gives an insight into the birth of a new country and a tragic history felt on the level of everyday people.

The film has won over 14 major international film awards including the Freedom Prize – Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2023. Potential Films.