In a remarkable display of success, the Sudanese film “Farewell Julia,” directed by Mohammed Kurdvani and produced by Amjad Abu Alala, gained substantial popularity within its first week of release in Egyptian cinemas starting on October 25th. Notably, the film has also dominated search indices on Google.
MAD Solutions, the film’s distribution company, disclosed that the movie’s box office earnings had exceeded one million Egyptian pounds within Egyptian theaters, marking an unprecedented achievement for Arab films in the region. “Farewell Julia” debuted in just 12 theaters initially but quickly expanded to 19 and later to 33 venues due to the immense public interest it garnered, all within less than a week of its commercial release.
The story of “Farewell Julia” is set in Khartoum, Sudan, just before the separation of South Sudan. The narrative revolves around Mona, a Northern Sudanese woman living with her husband Akram. She inadvertently causes the death of a Southern man and subsequently hires his wife, Julia, as a maid in her household in an attempt to alleviate her guilt.
Directed and written by the award-winning Mohammed Kurdvani, the film stars stage actress and singer Iman Youssef, the renowned South Sudanese beauty queen Sieran Riak, and veteran actor Nazar Jumaa. Also joining the cast is Ghayr Duwini, who was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for East Africa and the Horn of Africa by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The film features cinematography by Pierre de Villiers, editing by Heba Othman, sound design by Rana Eid, and costume design by Mohamed Elmar.
“Farewell Julia” is produced by the renowned Sudanese filmmaker Amjad Abu Alala, who made history with his 2020 Oscar-nominated film “You Will Die at 20.” Mohammed Al-Ammada also participates in the production through Sudan’s production company, Station Films. MAD Solutions handles the film’s international sales.
The film’s production also involves Bahauddin, Safi Al-Din Mahmoud (RED STAR/Egypt), Michael Henriks (Die Gesellschaft DGS/Germany), Khalid Awad and Mohammed Kurdvani (Klozium Studios/Sudan), Marc Errer (Dolce Vita Films/France), Faisal Baltour (Cinewaves/Saudi Arabia), Ali Al-Arabi (Ambient Light/Egypt), Adham Al-Sharif (CULT/Egypt), and Israa Al-Kawqly Hagerstrom (Riverflower/Sweden).
“Farewell Julia” is a significant achievement in the world of cinema, showcasing the growing influence of Sudanese filmmaking on the international stage and captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling and talented cast.
