Goodbye Julia from Sudan Leads Nominations for Critics Awards for Arab Films with Eight
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Salma Hossein
- . April 28, 2024
- . Update: April 28, 2024 3:00 pm
Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s debut feature film, “Goodbye Julia,” has emerged as the frontrunner with eight nominations for the prestigious Critics Awards for Arab Films. These awards, overseen by the Arab Cinema Centre in Cairo and judged by 209 critics from 72 countries, will be presented during a grand ceremony on May 18, coinciding with the Cannes Film Festival.
“Goodbye Julia” has garnered critical acclaim for its poignant exploration of morality and reconciliation, set against the backdrop of the turbulent events leading up to South Sudan’s secession in 2011. The film holds particular significance as it is the first Sudanese film to be included in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival.
The narrative revolves around the relationship between two women from contrasting backgrounds, one from the northern region and the other from the southern region. As they come together, they bear witness to the real-life unfolding of events in 2011.
Among the film’s eight nominations are Best Feature and Best Director. The lead actresses Eiman Yousif and Nazar Goma have also received recognition for their outstanding performances.
Other notable contenders include Jordanian director Amjad Al Rasheed’s dark social comedy “Inshallah a Boy,” Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s hybrid documentary-drama “Four Daughters,” and Saudi filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky’s “Hajjan,” all of which have received six nominations. Tunisian actress Hend Sabry has secured two nominations in the Best Actress category for her roles in “Kira & El Gin” and “Four Daughters.”
Films from Egypt, Syria, and Palestine have also received nominations. All the nominated films had their premieres at international festivals outside the Arab world in 2023.
Past winners of the coveted Best Film award at this annual ceremony include Tamer El Said’s “The Last Days Of The City,” Omar El Zohairy’s “Feathers,” and Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji’s “Hanging Gardens.”
