2014 | Sudan, South Africa | NR | 68 min.
This dynamic, emotional, even jubilant debut documentary proves that the human need for music prevails even in the throes of war. Returning to his homeland, Sudanese filmmaker Hajooj Kuka spent two years capturing the vibrant music and rituals that unify refugees in the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain regions through a shared heritage. Despite living each day in fear of bombings and the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by North Sudan’s government, Kuka captures farmers and herders expressing happiness and joy through laughter, songs signalling the conclusion of raids, and ceremonial dances. This Toronto International Film Festival Audience Award winner seeks to preserve and celebrate a musical tradition and cultural identity threatened with annihilation, and reminds us that the optimism and resilient spirit that beats in the hearts of a courageous people cannot be quashed.
PRE-SHOW MUSIC BY
Nolan the Ninja (Sat)
SPONSORED BY
The Wilson Family and Rainbow Rehabilitation Center (Sat)
This film is part of our FREE Buzz movies series.