Goodbye Julia – REVIEW
Image: Siran Riak as Julia in GOODBYE JULIA film still
From Sudan comes this dramatic cinematic offering which should stun audiences by its unpredictably high production values. Discomfort and possibly shock may also be experienced by sensitive audiences from the intense and tragic story which concerns racism, sexism and class differences between the Northern and Southern Sudan communities.
Goodbye Julia is set in the midst of a political upheaval before the separation of South Sudan in 2011. It’s during an era when the northerners considered the oppressed people from the south as ‘savage like stray dogs’.
When Mona (Eiman Yousif), a Muslim from the north is involved in a hit and run with a young child from the south, it’s the catalyst to a whole string of life changing events for both families.
The father of the young child who was the only witness to the hit and run chases the woman and quickly vanishes, classified as missing, presumably killed in stampedes during the riots. What really happened to him? Why does Mona offer Julia (Siran Riak), the boy’s mother, a job as the house maid? Ultimately should the friendship between these two women be deemed as forbidden owing to the division of Sudan?
A friendship blossoms between the two women, a friendship considered illicit by Mona’s husband who claims she is crossing the line. Is a hidden sin causing Mona to feel remorseful hence grooming a friendship which would normally not be tolerated?
After an initial stagnant start to the movie, intrigue and suspense builds leading to Mona’s confession in the final scenes. A shock announcement is delivered involving Julia which even the most astute of audiences would not anticipate.
Audiences who enjoy world movies primarily for the different styles in filmmaking should be mesmerized by the inclusion of the Sudanese singing sequences. The Sudanese culture is also inadvertently explored and the corruption within their police force.
This multi award-winning movie has screened at over 30 film festivals and significantly, premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival receiving a standing ovation. It was selected to compete in the Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards but later omitted from the shortlist.
****
In Cinemas April 4
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