“I wish I could film my people’s stories”

“Despite my unrelenting love for Sudan, I had to leave. I have been arrested more than once and had my material deleted more often than I can remember. I feared what could happen next. I started out on my own in Sudan, doing other jobs to support my filmmaking career.

I walked long distances on foot and travelled extensively by bus and plane into Darfur, Gadarif and South Kordofan looking for stories. I have travelled to communities in the farthest point of Blue Nile State in southern Sudan and the northern-most point in Halfa, as well as to the east, the west and the centre.

I long for the vast plains and valleys of Sudan’s countryside and the day when I can return – entering and leaving freely.

My identity is built on my recollections of the people I met, striking scenery I saw and the poignant stories of tragedy and joy I witnessed. I am grateful for my new home, but long for the vast plains and valleys of Sudan’s countryside and the day when I can return – entering and leaving freely. I wish I could film my people’s stories and I long to hold a camera at home.

I left Sudan when it stopped being safe for me to pursue my career. I could no longer provide for my family, including my parents and my little brother who study at the Khartoum University. I come from rural Gezira State where it is my traditional duty to support my extended family.

Walking around Boston, I relish the fact I can finally shoot films without being interrupted. My ambition is to do this back home: I want my people’s stories to be heard.”