the documentary Khartoum,which premiered this week at the Sundance Film Festival,offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of five residents of Sudan’s capital,grappling with the devastating effects of an ongoing war. Directed by Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad and his team,the film captures the resilience and struggles of individuals caught in a conflict that has reshaped their nation.
Filming began in late 2022, months before the war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army, led by Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti.” The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million people, many of whom face starvation, according to the United Nations.
using donated iPhones, the filmmakers crafted a story that serves as an “ambassador” for Sudan. “At the national level, everyone looks at us and says: You must continue to inform the world of what is happening in Sudan,” Ahmad told Agence France-Presse. He emphasized that the film is not about “begging or exciting compassion, but rather a reminder to the world that we are here.”
The documentary follows Majdi, a government employee and racing enthusiast, as well as Lucin and Wilson, two young men scavenging through garbage to earn enough money to buy shirts from the market.The war disrupted the film’s production, with Ahmad recalling, “We were about to finish the film, and it was 20 percent remaining, then the war broke out.” The chaos severed communication with the film’s subjects, but the team eventually located them and helped them escape abroad.
Once the situation stabilized, the filmmakers adopted an experimental approach, using green screens to overlay visuals that complemented the subjects’ harrowing stories. During interviews, Lucin and wilson described the adults waging war as “stupid,” imagining themselves riding a magic lion through khartoum’s streets. Their smiles faded as they recounted an attack by the Rapid Support Forces, describing “a man without a head, another his face was burning, and the last of his body turned into body parts.”
the film also highlights the geopolitical dimensions of the conflict, with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia accused of supporting or arming the warring factions. The United States has imposed sanctions on leaders from both sides.
Ahmad hopes the film will spark global awareness and influence international decision-makers. During its Sundance screening, he noted, “at least 200 people. Now everyone knows the word khartoum.” He added, “Even if one or two percent of them inquire about what Khartoum and Sudan are, this will lead to a discussion.”
| Key Details | Summary |
|—————-|————-|
| Premiere | Sundance Film Festival 2025 |
| Directors | Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad,Timeea Mohamed Ahmed,Rawia Alhag,Philip Cox,Anas Saeed |
| subjects | Majdi,Lucin,Wilson,and others navigating war-torn Sudan |
| Filming Tools | Donated iPhones |
| Conflict | Sudanese army vs. Rapid Support Forces |
| Impact | Over 12 million displaced, tens of thousands killed |
Through Khartoum, the filmmakers aim to humanize the conflict, offering a platform for voices often drowned out by the noise of war. as Ahmad puts it, the film is a reminder that Sudan’s people are still here, fighting for survival and dignity.