Country:Sudan

Director:Gudallah Gubara

Program:Eastern Parallels

Summary:

The elder filmmaker makes a strong statement against the practices of circumcision as they performed around Africa and particularly Sudan. The film is typical of the later Gubara films which are determined to take a stand against the tyrranies that are still keeping people down. Gubara has stated that circumcision is ‘Nothing more than a bad habit.’

Country:Sudan

Director:Gudallah Gubara

Program:Eastern Parallels

Summary:

We reprise Gubara’s most well known and acclaimed feature film. Tajoog is the beautiful cousin of a young tribal man who is deeply in love with her. He publically declares his love for her in a song.  The traditions of the tribe denounce such an act and as a consequence his uncle refuses his proposal to marry her. But after the young man departs and declares his repentance the marriage is finally allowed. But in the meantime another man has staked his interest in Tajoog which drives the young man to jealousy.

Country:Sudan

Director:Gudallah Gubara

Program:Eastern Parallels

Summary:

For his first feature film in many years, the legendary filmmaker from Sudan has chosen to adapt Victor Hugo’s classic novel Les Miserables for an African audience in the Arab language. The esteemed actor Gamal Hassan assumes the character of Jean Valjean from who is a man driven to crime and nerfarious activities after circumstances have driven him in this direction. However, with the help of others he manages an incredible transformation. Gubara clearly saw this narrative as a significant parable concerning the will to change perceived as crucial for the future of Sudan.