The BFI London Film Festival 2025 focuses on Sudan’s terrible civil war and the strength of its people. Notably, the documentary “Khartoum” has received praise around the world for its moving portrayal of displacement and hope. This powerful movie follows the lives of five very different people who live in Khartoum, ranging from a tea stall owner to young bottle collectors. Throughout the film, they all have to deal with the harsh realities of war. Ultimately, they all leave for neighboring countries in East Africa during the 2023 crisis. This crisis forced more than ten million people to leave their homes. As a result, the deeply personal interviews and creative storytelling used to tell their stories give us a real look. It shows how Sudan’s problems have affected survivors and their search for freedom and identity.
Stories About People in Sudan’s Crisis
“Khartoum” is directed by Sudanese filmmakers Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, and Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, along with British creative director Phil Cox. The film is known for its unique documentary style. Specifically, it combines animation, green screen effects, and reenactments by the film’s own subjects. Initially, the project started as a small documentary workshop. However, it changed because of the rising violence in Khartoum. Consequently, it is based on the real-life experiences of ordinary people. They are fighting against oppression, dreaming of peace, and finding support in exile.
Festival Effect and Critical Acclaim
“Khartoum” first showed at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the World Documentary Competition. Subsequently, it later won the Peace Film Prize at Berlinale and the Gilda Vieira de Mello Award at FIFDH Geneva. Moreover, critics like the movie for its experimental style and for giving a voice to people who are often ignored in global conversations. As such, the documentary’s premiere at BFI London is a rare and important chance. It allows people around the world to see Sudan’s ongoing crisis through the eyes of those who are living it. Therefore, this makes it an important act of resistance and remembrance.
Making Things, Coming Up With New Ideas, and Leaving a Legacy for the Future
“Khartoum” was shot on iPhones while the filmmakers were in and out of Nairobi. In addition, it got help from groups like Native Voice Films, Sudan Film Factory, BBC Storyville, and DOCUBOX. Furthermore, its production depended on partnerships that crossed continents and cultures. This shows how important Sudan’s fight is to the whole world. Given that there are still millions of people living in tents, and the humanitarian situation is terrible, “Khartoum” is an essential movie. Indeed, it makes sure that these personal stories and voices are heard around the world.
