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

UPDATE: The inaugural Doha Film Festival opens with a powerful showcase of Sudanese cinema, highlighted by the critically acclaimed film Cotton Queen, directed by Suzannah Mirghani. This urgent spotlight on Sudanese culture arrives as the country grapples with ongoing conflict and mass displacement, making the festival’s programming both celebratory and politically significant.

Just recently, Cotton Queen won the prestigious Golden Alexander for best feature at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, amplifying the visibility of Sudanese film on a global stage. Mirghani’s debut feature has already garnered attention at various international festivals, including Venice and Chicago, showcasing the resilience of Sudanese filmmakers amid adversity.

Mirghani reflects on the impact of her film, stating, “The first reaction is always: ‘We’re seeing Sudan on screen.’” As the film screens at the Doha festival, it represents more than just entertainment; it embodies a collective desire for recognition among Sudanese communities worldwide.

The festival’s commitment to placing Sudanese work front and center is a significant move, as many Sudanese feel overlooked. “Here, there’s a sense of being seen,” Mirghani emphasizes. This year is particularly poignant, as the film industry in Sudan faces unprecedented challenges due to war and displacement, which escalated in April 2023.

follows the story of teenage Nafisa (Mihad Murtada), who navigates a power struggle centered around genetically modified cotton seeds that threaten her village’s traditional practices. Mirghani has dedicated nearly a decade to exploring the history and symbolism of Sudanese cotton, emphasizing its importance in cultural heritage and women’s empowerment.

Mirghani’s journey to bring Cotton Queen to life faced numerous hurdles, including the collapse of her original plans to shoot in Sudan due to the ongoing conflict. “In Sudan, there was genuine momentum for a film industry,” she notes, referencing the disruption caused by war. Many cast and crew members were forced to flee to Egypt, where Mirghani relocated the production, demonstrating solidarity amidst turmoil.

Despite the challenges, Mirghani and her team built a vibrant Sudanese village set in Egypt, creating an emotionally rich environment for the film. “We followed them,” Mirghani shares, highlighting the communal spirit that filmmaking fosters among the displaced actors.

As the festival progresses, Mirghani’s hopes for the film extend beyond its screenings. “To be connected through this film would be my greatest measure of success,” she reflects. The film’s music, composed by Amine Bouhafa, incorporates Sudanese instruments and features Brooklyn-based singer Alsarah, emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry woven into the film.

With plans for international sales already in place through Totem Films, Mirghani aims to reach Sudanese communities in the diaspora and refugee contexts, fostering connections through shared experiences and cultural representation.

As Cotton Queen screens at the Doha Film Festival, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of visibility for Sudanese culture in a time of struggle. With many cast and crew members attending the festival, the emotional weight of watching the film together for the first time is palpable. “That’s a gift,” Mirghani states, underlining the film’s potential to resonate deeply with audiences.

Stay tuned as Cotton Queen continues to make waves in the film industry, positioning Sudanese narratives at the forefront of global cinema during these trying times.