‘Goodbye Julia’ wins Cinema for Humanity Award at El Gouna Film Festival
Broadcast Pro ○ 22 December 2023
The film is produced by Amjad Abu Alala’s Station Films and co-produced by Ali Alarabi, CEO and founder of Ambient Light.
Mohamed Kordofani’s acclaimed Sudanese debut drama feature, Goodbye Julia, has continued its triumphant journey by securing the El Gouna Film Festival‘s Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. The film, recipient of the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard Freedom Prize and Variety Magazine’s MENA Talent of the Year at the festival, now adds another accolade to its impressive tally, bringing the total count to 21 awards since its debut in May.
The Cinema for Humanity Award, presented during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival, marks the film’s third recognition in a week, solidifying its status as a powerful cinematic creation.
In parallel, the film is enjoying success in France, debuting in 51 arthouse theatres and currently running on 67 screens nationwide for its seventh weekend. The recent release in the UAE, screening at 27 theatres, contributes to a total of 84 theatres across the GCC.
Goodbye Julia achieved historic commercial success in Egypt, recording the highest revenues for an Arab film at the Egyptian box office since its release on October 25th, accumulating over EGP 3m throughout its ninth-week journey.
The film continues its winning streak with awards such as an Audience Award at the Mostra De Cinema Arab, Best Film at the 2023 Belfast Film Festival’s International Competition, Excellence and Best Actress Award at Canada’s Muslim International Film Festival, and Best Director and Best Leading Actress in a Debut Feature Film at the 18th Cyprus International Film Festival.
Adding to its triumphs, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o has joined the film’s team as an executive producer, showing her support for the impactful story.