Vivid and Vibrant: ‘Sudan, Remember Us’ Dives Deep into Khartoum’s Intense Uprising

Hind Meddeb, a film-maker of Franco-Tunisian-Moroccan descent who resides in Paris, was deeply moved by her firsthand experiences during the 2019 Sudanese revolution against Omar al-Bashir’s oppressive 30-year regime. This profound encounter inspired her to create a deeply involved and empathetic documentary that delves into the lives of the revolutionaries, focusing particularly on the youth and women. These groups, energized by the revolutionary spirit, faced complexities as their initial victory only led to the establishment of a “Transitional Military Council” or TMC, which showed little urgency in passing the reins to a civilian government. Tragically, this council was responsible for a horrific massacre at a sit-in during June 2019, which saw 127 individuals killed and 70 sexually assaulted.

In her exploration, Meddeb unveils a rich and dynamic artistic culture among the protestors, expressed through music, poetry, and rap that thrived amidst the chaos of the streets. She captures a subversive and almost surrealistic vibe through her lens, exemplified by a humorous yet poignant street sign stating: “Sorry for the Delay – Uprooting a Regime”. The documentary showcases striking performances and expressions from both men and women, along with a bold culture of slogans and poetic statements held aloft by young women.

Above all, the protesters harbor a deep mistrust towards theocracy and the dominant clerical class, notorious for oppressing the masses. One protester recalls a cleric preaching about the virtues of poverty while enjoying the luxury of a sleek four-wheel-drive vehicle. “The people demand justice for the dead!” reads one of the banners, highlighting a movement deeply conscious of the sacrifices made by their fallen peers, and the betrayal by those who assumed power following these sacrifices.