The Nature of Distance – Film Screening – ARC

the nature distance screening

Wednesday 29 Januaary 2025, 6 p.m.

Atrium, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow G11 6EW

As with any start to a new year there is an unspoken universal rule to look ahead, to visualize and plan in hope for change, new memories and adventure. Yet, many of us are bound to the past, to the feelings of nostalgia and loss making it difficult to completely delve into the new.  

In April 2023, a proxy war broke out in the capital city of Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forced and a parliamentary faction, the Rapid Support Forces. Caught in the crossfire were civilians who quickly fled to safety outside of the city, taking with them little. They believed that they would be returning shortly but found themselves in states of migration for longer than planned as fighting spread to major parts of the country. Similar to the 2018-9 revolution, social media platforms became pivotal in revealing what was happening on the ground, amplifying calls to an end to violence and showing solidarity. It has also been used to share different narratives of resistance especially through art, documenting journeys of migration and sharing personal archives. 

The Nature of Distance observes this thread of identity, grief and resistance as it intersects with filmmaking and social media. This two-part event showcases the creative ways the Sudanese diaspora have used digital media platforms and filmmaking/content creation to reflect on their memories, positionality and share their own story in reaction to periods of conflict in Sudan.  

The Nature of Distance Exhibition at ARC 27 – 31 January, 2025

From 27th until 31st January 2025, there will be an exhibition showcasing moving images by Sudanese digital creators at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow. On the evening of 29th January, there will be a film screening and Q&A will take place bringing together Sudanese digital creators’ work alongside the short documentary My Sister, Sara. 

This event is presented by ‘Thinking Culture’, a cultural programme from the School of Culture & Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Advanced Research Centre’s CinemARC programme.

This project is supported by Thinking Culture funding 2024-25, awarded to PhD researcher Umloda Ibrahim.

Cover image from My Sister, Sara.

Films 

My Sister, Sara | Sarra Idris & Amin Elhassan | 30 mins | 2020 

In late 2018 and throughout 2019, Sudan experienced months of protests that ultimately overthrew a 30-year dictatorship. Sara Elhassan was among the young grassroots activists who kept the world informed and connected during this time through social media, helping to mobilize global support for the cause of the Sudanese people. In ‘My Sister, Sara’, Elhassan and her older brother Amin, an ESPN sports analyst and TV personality, engage in a candid dialogue on survivor’s guilt, youth movements, and the role of women in the Sudanese revolution. 

Road to Roots | @travellingsudania | 4.30 mins | 2024 

Showcasing the northeast of Sudan, a London based photographer journeys from Khartoum to Mograt Island to trace her paternal roots. 

Moving with Honour | @rimageorges | 3 mins | 2024 

Inspired by a movement class, ‘Moving with Honour’ is an ode to Sudanese movement as well as the hope of freedom. 

Khartoum Nights | @m.babikr | 1.30 mins | 2024 

Marking the 478th day since Mohamed left his home, he reflects on his memories. 

Tadween | @_abushama | 3 mins | 2024 

Can you hear their voices, breathing life into the space? 

Q&A panelists are still yet to be confirmed 

The title of this event was inspired by Bentley Brown’s essay ‘Sudan’s “Diaspora” Dilemma’ in the ‘Routleledge Handbook on Arab Cinema’ 

Tickets

This event is free, but ticketed.  Register for tickets at Eventbrite

You are welcome to bring your own food, but please take any rubbish away with you. 

Accessibility

Information on the Advanced Research Centre’s accessibility can be found on Accessable.

If you have any access requirements, please email ARCEngage@Glasgow.ac.uk. 

Please enter the ARC via the main entrance, as indicated on the map below. 

Full programme announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2025 (GFF25)
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Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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