Lupita Nyong’o has taken on a new role as an executive producer for Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s debut feature film, Goodbye Julia.
This groundbreaking Sudanese film recently made history by becoming the first-ever Sudanese feature to grace the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Not only that, it has been chosen as Sudan’s second submission for the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category.
Goodbye Julia tells a compelling story of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, shining a light on the struggles faced by millions in Eastern Africa.
Lupita Nyong’o, known for her exceptional acting talent, expressed her enthusiasm for this project, stating, “Goodbye Julia is a powerful representation of the conflict happening in Sudan right now, which affects millions of lives across Eastern Africa. Mohamed Kordofani and the filmmakers present the issues in a beautiful, deeply personal way. I’m honoured to lend my voice to help bring this film’s message to the world.”
Lupita Nyong’o, who rose to fame with her performance in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, is making her debut as an executive producer on this important film.
Goodbye Julia revolves around the complex relationship between two women, representing the differences and challenges faced by the northern and southern Sudanese communities. The film features the talents of Eiman Yousif and Sudanese model Siran Riak, who makes her big-screen acting debut. Additionally, it includes South Sudanese actor and activist Ger Duany.
Set in Khartoum during the last years of a united Sudan, the film’s narrative reflects the return of conflict to the region in 2023. The film has garnered significant attention and accolades, winning the Un Certain Regard section’s Freedom Prize at Cannes and earning additional awards at various film festivals, including Chicago, Cyprus, France’s Festival Paysages de Cinéastes, Barcelona’s War on Screen festival, and Amsterdam’s Septimius Award.
Goodbye Julia not only promises to be a remarkable cinematic experience but also serves as a poignant and timely portrayal of Sudan’s ongoing struggles, thanks in part to the contribution of Lupita Nyong’o as its executive producer.
