Written and Directed by Mohamed Kordofani
Starring Eiman Yousif, Nazar Goma, and Siran Riak

Most of us have heard of the stage play and film title Death of a Salesman. A title I feel is more befitting and appealing for Goodbye Julia is Death of a Southern Man.

The location and time Goodbye Julia is set is of utmost importance to its story. Set in Khartoum (now the Sudanese capital), the year 2005 where Goodbye Julia starts represents the final years Sudan was a united country before the 2011 separation of South Sudan. Tensions between “southerners” and northern Sudanese escalated into deadly riots after the sudden death of Sudan’s vice president.

Meanwhile, inside the home of a Northern Sudanese married couple, Akram (Nazar Goma) and Mona (Eiman Yousif), there are tensions on a much more personal level brewing. Mona is growing tired of her husband’s insecure and controlling ways, though she has become an expert liar as a result! Akram might be willing to listen to his wife’s concerns but seemingly cares more about the political tensions happening beyond his four walls.

External political and internal personal tensions collide when a series of tragic events involving Akram and Mona that lead to the death of a southern man unfold.

The aftermath of what transpires only further distances the married couple from one another. In an attempt to overcome the guilt she feels for her part in the tragedy, Mona invites a southern woman, Julia (Siran Riak) and her son into her life. Though the two women instantly bond, the existence of Julia in Mona’s life resurrects a past passion that married Mona left behind. The overwhelming urge to regain her independence and the burden of dishonesty continue to fuel those tensions. 

I chose to watch and review Goodbye Julia largely because I have not seen many films set in this part of the World and due to its strong ratings. While it admittedly is no masterclass in filmmaking or acting, its themes are universal and resonate, and the story always remains involving to watch. I was fascinated and absorbed by its depiction of individual character growth and fragile personal relationships against the backdrop of a rapidly changing and escalating political landscape. That is some impressive depth worthy of this movie’s acclaim and making it absolutely worth watching. 

Goodbye Julia is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from April 4th.

Moviedoc thanks Potential Films for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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