Sudanese Film ‘Cotton Queen’ Shines at Doha Festival, Urgent Spotlight on Culture

UPDATE: The Doha Film Festival (DFF) has just opened its inaugural edition, showcasing the urgent and vibrant world of Sudanese cinema, with a special spotlight on the critically acclaimed film Cotton Queen. This debut feature by Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani has already garnered significant recognition, winning the Golden Alexander for Best Feature Film at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival earlier this month.

As Sudan grapples with ongoing conflict and mass displacement, this festival represents a vital moment for visibility and representation. “There’s a sense of being seen,” Mirghani emphasizes, highlighting the film’s emotional impact on Sudanese audiences worldwide.

The DFF program arrives at a crucial time, as Sudanese films and culture confront the challenges of war. Cotton Queen, which premiered in Venice and has been showcased at various festivals, follows the powerful story of teenage Nafisa, who finds herself at the center of a struggle over genetically modified cotton seeds threatening her village’s future. This narrative intertwines personal and political themes, resonating deeply with a community in search of representation.

Mirghani’s journey with Cotton Queen began with a focus on Sudanese cotton—a crop steeped in the nation’s history and cultural identity. After the war broke out in Sudan in April 2023, Mirghani and her cast were forced to relocate production to Egypt, where many artists had fled. This shift was not simply logistical; it was a matter of solidarity with displaced collaborators.

“We followed them,” Mirghani reflects, acknowledging the emotional turmoil many faced while transitioning from their homeland. The film’s production in Egypt maintained a connection to Sudan’s natural landscapes, with the Nile serving as a familiar backdrop for the cast and crew, many of whom are young, non-professional actors.

The DFF’s spotlight on Sudan extends beyond films to include its Sounds of Sudan music program, enhancing the cultural narrative. Amine Bouhafa, the film’s composer, incorporates traditional Sudanese elements into the score, providing a rich auditory experience that complements the powerful visuals.

As the festival unfolds, Mirghani and her team are set to watch Cotton Queen together for the first time, a poignant moment for many still scattered across Egypt. “That’s a gift,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of connection in these turbulent times.

Despite the challenges, Mirghani sees potential for the film to serve as a bridge for Sudanese communities worldwide. With international sales handled by Totem Films, she hopes to bring Cotton Queen to a broader audience, particularly to diasporic and refugee communities.

As the festival progresses, attention to Sudanese culture and cinema is more crucial than ever. Mirghani urges, “We need quantity, quality, different perspectives.” The emotional weight of Cotton Queen is not just a cinematic experience; it is a vital conversation starter about identity, resilience, and empowerment in a time of crisis.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and witness the impact of Sudanese cinema at DFF, a powerful reminder of the cultural narratives that persist in the face of adversity.