DEADLINE:What drew you to making a film about this particular episode in Sudans history?
MOHAMED KORDOFANI: It was shocking to me that a whole nation would want to secede from you.
These people felt like second-class citizens for 50 years.
Mohamed Kordofani
I didnt know any Southern people.
Although there were millions in Khartoum, the only one I knew was a maid.
This is not just a north and south issue.
Its an issue thats all over Sudan.
Whats happened with the South is a model.
The film is basically inspired by the steps of reconciliation.
DEADLINE:Where does the 2019 revolution fit into this situation, if at all?
KORDOFANI:Although the outcome now doesnt seem like a good thing, it is.
The revolution changed the mentality of the people, their hearts, and their souls.
I think its the perfect time for this film because people are more accepting of these things.
The war is something else.
DEADLINE:Does it hurt that South Sudan left the north?
KORDOFANI:Its a mixed feeling because right now Im pro-secession.
Its the right thing for the Southerners.
At the same time, it breaks my heart because this is part of my country thats gone.
Separation is a theme of the film.
KORDOFANI: All the cast playing southerners are southerners.
Most are living in Khartoum apart from the main ones.
He thought I was kidding when I called him up.
Who would make a film in Sudan and venture to get an actor from Hollywood?
There was some convincing to do.
Siran Riak, who plays Julia, is a model and former Miss Sudan who lives in Dubai.
I saw her in an interview and thought she was perfect for the role.
DEADLINE:How did Ger Duanry find it returning to Sudan for the shoot?
KORDOFANI:His story is similar to the story in the film.
Because of his films likeThe Good Lie, he superstar in South Sudan.
Whenever wed go to an open location, people would come to take selfies with him.
DEADLINE:How did you cast Eiman Yousifin the role of Mona?
KORDOFANI: I must have auditioned one hundred girls and I didnt quite find what I was looking for.
I was scrolling on Facebook when I saw this live performance from a small coffee shop.
She had exactly what I wanted for Mona.
The same look, the way she talks and that sad default face.
I found someone I knew in the audience and texted saying, Who is singing?
The protests were going on, but there was no bombing.
We can work in difficult situations, but not with bombing.
DEADLINE: Whats Your Next Project?
KORDOFANI:I started a company in Sudan two years ago called Klozium Studios.
The word comes from Colosseum in Rome, but thats how we pronounce it in Sudan.
The company actually executedGoodbye Julia.
It was the teams first time fiction film, and they did an amazing job.
I invested in this company.
I wanted it to grow.
My plan was to expand the team and make more films, not necessarily directed by me.
Now, with the war, everybody has fled, all 18 of them.
Getting people back again, its going to be difficult.
KORDOFANI:If I believe in anything its in the resilience of the Sudanese people.
Ive never seen such resilience in my life.
And what happened in the revolution will not allow another dictatorship to rule.
Do you think you will get to screen it back home?
KORDOFANI: If they just stop this bombing.
Im going to go back and Ill screen the film in a very rudimental way.
We have cinemas that have been deserted for years.
I going to go from one town to another, screening the film.
This is the mission and I know it can be done.
