Sudan: Filming in Harsh Conditions/Conflict

Meet Mohamed Subahi, a filmmaker and photographer from Sudan. His work primarily focuses on capturing the essence of human experiences, particularly those shaped by major social and political events. Currently involved in several projects highlighting the lives and stories of Sudanese individuals in Egypt after the recent conflict. To film during a conflict will impact your mental health, but what does that mean? Here’s our Q&A with Mohamed Subahi.

Academic and Professional Background:

Despite graduating with a degree in Computer Science from Alahliya University in Khartoum in 2006, my passion for cinema led me to join a filmmaking workshop at the Goethe Institute in 2010. This workshop provided me with the skills and tools to embark on a career as a filmmaker, marking a pivotal moment in my journey.

In the same year, I co-founded the "Sudan Film Factory," an independent cultural and artistic platform aimed at enhancing the capabilities of young Sudanese artists and introducing cinema to Sudanese audiences. From 2010 to 2014, we worked closely with young Sudanese filmmakers to launch the first independent cinema festival in Sudan.

Film Production:

In 2013, I produced my first two films, "Nomads" and "A Bonfire Station." Since then, I have worked as a filmmaker and art director with various non-governmental organizations in Sudan, producing artistic works that creatively address social and human rights issues.

"MADANIYA" is a documentary film that reflects on the Sudanese revolution in December, directed by me. The film portrays the experiences of Sudanese youth who actively participated in the revolution, shedding light on what "MADANIYA" (civilian rule) means to them and their community.

Tell us about your documentary?

The film 'MADANIYA' is a documentary that delves deep into the Sudanese revolution that erupted in December 2018. It focuses on three Sudanese youth: Esraa, Mumin, and Django, who were pivotal figures in this protest movement that led to the overthrow of Sudan's former president, Omar al-Bashir. The film traces their personal and political journeys during the protests, shedding light on their roles and what the revolution meant to them as individuals and to Sudanese society at large.

The film presents vivid testimonies and documentary scenes that highlight the details of the protest movement and the prominent moments experienced by its participants. It also discusses the concept of 'MADANIYA', which symbolizes civilian rule and democracy, and how this concept impacts the future of Sudan and the aspirations of its youth.

Featuring advanced cinematography techniques and visual effects that enhance its message, the film becomes a poignant story reflecting significant historical moments and expressing deep human experiences in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. It covers pivotal events since the ousting of President al-Bashir and the end of his 30-year rule, marking a turning point for Sudanese society and the lives of its main characters.

Shot over a period of five years, the film narrates events as they unfold, focusing on the lives of the main characters before the coup, and how these characters face challenges with resilience, echoing the main slogan of the revolution, the call for 'MADANIYA' - civilian governance for Sudan.

How does it impact your daily life?

The revolution and the film " MADANIYA" have had a significant impact on my daily life, adding new dimensions to my understanding and interaction with the events around me. The film enhances my political and social awareness, offering a deep perspective on the historical events that have shaped Sudan in recent years. This awareness boosts my ability to comprehend the political and social challenges facing my country, keeping me informed about local and global political developments. This enables me to participate in social and political discussions with greater understanding.

The stories of the young people in " MADANIYA" inspire me and drive me to seek ways to contribute to improving my community. Seeing these determined young individuals face difficulties and demand freedom and justice makes me feel more responsible towards my community and motivates me to work hard to achieve the goals I believe in.

The film strengthens my pride in my Sudanese identity and introduces the world to Sudan's rich cultural heritage. This encourages me to preserve and promote my culture in various forums. It also pushes me to seek more Sudanese stories and films that reflect our experiences and values.

"MADANIYA" provides me with a space for deep reflection on the suffering of others and their capacity for endurance and change. This helps me understand the human dimensions of political struggles and conflicts, making me more empathetic and understanding of others' situations. It encourages me to contribute to charitable works and social initiatives.

The film can be a powerful educational tool that I use to raise awareness among friends and family about the importance of freedom and democracy. I can discuss the ideas and values expressed in the film with others, fostering mutual understanding and contributing to building a more aware and cooperative community.

The film opens new channels of communication with others who share my interests. I can join groups and discussions about the film and the revolution, expanding my network and providing new opportunities for learning and social interaction.

The film enhances my sense of pride and belonging to my country. It reminds me of the sacrifices made by the Sudanese people for freedom and justice, making me more committed to working for a better future for Sudan.

In summary, the revolution and the film " MADANIYA" are not just historical events or artistic works, but sources of inspiration, reflection, and motivation that deeply affect my daily life and how I think and interact with the world around me.

Tell us about Sudan?

Sudan, from my perspective as a film director and filmmaker, is a country with a complex and diverse history that embodies rich and varied civilizations. Sudan is characterized by a rich cultural heritage and geographic diversity, including vast deserts in the north and rivers like the Nile that extend across the country.

Sudan has witnessed significant political changes throughout its history, including revolutions and conflicts that have had a major impact on people's lives and the course of events in the country. As a filmmaker, I draw much of my inspiration and creative works from the political and social experiences in Sudan, particularly during pivotal periods like the December revolution and its aftermath.

My films and artistic works, such as the film 'Madaniya,' highlight Sudan's rich historical experiences and political transformations, using personal stories to shed light on deep human experiences and the conflicts that have shaped the paths of individuals and communities. This approach aims to highlight vital issues and document Sudan's recent history in a style that combines artistry and realism.

To me as a filmmaker, Sudan is not just a country, but a continuous source of inspiration and creative challenges, drawing from its unique beauty and the challenges it faces."

Mental health before/during/after?

Before the revolution, I felt insecure for a long period under a dictatorial military regime that never gave me a sense of security throughout my life. During the revolution, I witnessed rapid changes and was occupied with participating in demonstrations and political events, experiencing high levels of anxiety and tension due to uncertainty and sudden changes. After that, the coup came, increasing the tension and anxiety, which had a negative impact on my mental and physical health.

But what was even more challenging was the unexpected onset of war, which was a difficult and tragic period for me. Fear, anxiety, and continuous pressures greatly affected my mental and physical health, and it was always difficult to cope with the harsh conditions I was living in, especially with the ongoing war and its continuous impact on family members and friends remaining in conflict zones.

I am still slowly recovering from the psychological shock and psychological effects of the events I experienced. Psychological therapy and social support were crucial in helping me recover from that difficult period, and I still face challenges continuously.

These events left deep marks on my life, and I realized the importance of caring for my mental health and taking better care of myself for recovery and personal growth.

What do you think needs to be done to raise awareness?

This year, Sudan tops the list of countries most likely to experience a significant deterioration in humanitarian crises according to the International Rescue Committee's "Emergency Watchlist" report. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has resulted in at least 15,500 deaths, with estimates reaching up to 150,000. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has significantly worsened, with approximately 25 million people now in need of assistance, and around 12 million people displaced within the country, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world. Humanitarian access to affected areas has become extremely challenging due to the ongoing conflict.

Organize International Campaigns to Stop the Conflict: Launch global campaigns focusing on calling for the international community to stop the conflict in Sudan through media, social media platforms, and public demonstrations.

Pressure Governments and International Organizations: Direct appeals to governments and human rights organizations to increase pressure on the warring parties to reach peace agreements. Organize meetings and seminars with decision-makers to present the situation and offer possible solutions.

Enhance Documentation and Publication: Produce documentaries, photos, and articles highlighting the suffering of the Sudanese people, and use these materials in global awareness campaigns to attract attention and stimulate international action.

Collaborate with Humanitarian Organizations: Strengthen collaboration with NGOs and governments to coordinate efforts and provide necessary aid to the affected, and work on creating relief projects and improving access to the most affected areas.

The impact of using social media?

Social media plays a crucial role in raising global awareness about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. It brings to light the personal stories and experiences of those affected, making their suffering more visible to the world. By providing real-time updates on the conflict, social media helps in coordinating humanitarian responses and keeping the international community informed.

Additionally, social media platforms are used to advocate for action by applying pressure on governments and international organizations to address the crisis. They also facilitate fundraising efforts, enabling individuals to contribute to support initiatives for those affected by the conflict.

Furthermore, social media fosters solidarity among activists and individuals worldwide, building a network of support. It exposes issues and shortcomings in the humanitarian response, and can influence the policies of countries and international organizations regarding the situation in Sudan.

The stigma across society

Stigma has a profound effect on various aspects of society, especially in the context of humanitarian crises such as the situation in Sudan. Stigma manifests in several ways:

Negative Stereotypes of Affected Groups: Stigma often leads to the formation of negative stereotypes and misconceptions about individuals affected by crises. In Sudan, people displaced by conflict or seeking refuge may face difficulties accessing help due to social discrimination and exclusion.

Barriers to Seeking Help: Stigma related to mental health, poverty, or displacement can prevent individuals from seeking necessary support or services. This is particularly significant in conflict zones where psychological trauma is common, and stigma can hinder access to mental health care and support.

Impact on Relief Efforts: Stigma can obstruct effective humanitarian responses. When affected individuals are stigmatized, community and governmental support for relief efforts may diminish. Humanitarian organizations might struggle to reach and assist those in need due to preconceived notions and social barriers.

Community Fragmentation: Stigma can exacerbate social divisions, creating an "us versus them" mentality that deepens tensions between different groups. In Sudan, this can worsen conflicts and complicate peace and reconciliation efforts.

Addressing Stigma: Tackling stigma requires comprehensive strategies, including education to challenge and change harmful perceptions, advocacy for inclusive policies, and support systems that address the needs of marginalized individuals. By addressing stigma, communities can improve humanitarian responses and foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Where can people go for more resources?

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides comprehensive reports and updates on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Their Emergency Watchlist is a valuable resource for understanding the severity of the situation.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) offers detailed reports, maps, and data on humanitarian needs and responses in Sudan, as well as coordinating international aid efforts.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) provides reports and analyses on human rights violations and the impact of the conflict in Sudan.

ReliefWeb, a service of OCHA, offers a wide range of resources including reports, updates, and news on the humanitarian situation in Sudan.

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) provides medical care in conflict zones and their reports on the healthcare crisis in Sudan are highly informative.

Amnesty International provides detailed reports on human rights violations and awareness materials related to the conflict in Sudan. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is involved in delivering humanitarian aid in Sudan. Updates and resources about their efforts can be found on their website.

Supporting and following local Sudanese organizations can provide insights and updates from the ground. Organizations like the Sudanese Red Crescent Society play a crucial role in local relief efforts. Reliable media sources such as Al Jazeera, and Reuters offer ongoing coverage and analysis of the situation in Sudan.

Following organizations, activists, and journalists covering the situation in Sudan on social media can provide real-time updates and insights. Hashtags like #SudanCrisis and #KeepEyesOnSudan can be used to find relevant content.

These resources help individuals stay informed about the situation in Sudan, understand the complexities of the crisis, and find ways to support humanitarian relief efforts.

Where can people watch Madaniya? 

Official Film Website: For detailed information on how to watch the film, visit the official website of Madaniya.

Picture credit: Mohamed Subahi

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