Sudanese Film ‘Cotton Queen’ Shines at Doha Festival, Gains Global Attention

UPDATE: The highly-anticipated film Cotton Queen, directed by Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani, is making waves at the inaugural Doha Film Festival, showcasing the resilience of Sudanese culture amidst ongoing conflict. This emotional spotlight on Sudanese cinema arrives at a critical time when visibility and representation are desperately needed.

Mirghani’s debut feature, which recently won the Golden Alexander for best feature film at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, is garnering international acclaim. The film is also competing in the festival’s International Feature Film Competition, highlighting Sudan’s rich cultural narrative on a global stage.

“This festival is a rare opportunity for Sudanese work to be highlighted, not as an afterthought but as a central feature,” Mirghani stated. The timing of the festival is especially poignant, as Sudan grapples with the devastating effects of ongoing war, mass displacement, and the loss of cultural identity.

The film’s narrative follows teenage Nafisa, amid a power struggle over genetically modified cotton seeds that threaten her village’s traditional livelihood. “Cotton is central to Sudan in every aspect,” Mirghani emphasizes, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of cotton farming in Sudanese life.

Mirghani’s journey to create Cotton Queen faced significant challenges after the outbreak of war in April 2023. Initial plans to film in Sudan had to be abandoned, forcing the production to relocate to Egypt, where many cast and crew members had sought refuge. “We followed them,” she explained, expressing solidarity with her displaced collaborators.

Despite the difficulties, filming became a source of unity for the young, non-professional actors, many of whom were grappling with the trauma of displacement. “They wanted the film to bring them together,” Mirghani noted. The production built a Sudanese village set in Egypt, creating a familiar yet disorienting environment for the cast.

The film opens with traditional Sudanese songs, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage that Mirghani strives to celebrate. With the score composed by Tunisian-French musician Amine Bouhafa, the film aims to resonate with audiences through its lyrical storytelling and authentic representation.

As Cotton Queen screens at the Doha Film Festival, many cast and crew members, still scattered across Egypt, are expected to attend. “We’ll be watching the film together for the first time,” Mirghani reflected, calling it a “gift” amidst the turmoil.

Mirghani’s hope for the film extends beyond its festival run. “Right now, we don’t have a country. To be connected through this film is my greatest measure of success,” she stated. With international sales already secured by Totem Films, she envisions a global outreach, particularly to Sudanese communities in the diaspora.

As Cotton Queen continues to gain traction, it serves not only as a film but as a powerful narrative of resilience, culture, and the urgent need for representation in cinema. The spotlight at the Doha Film Festival is a crucial moment in elevating Sudanese voices in the international film landscape, making this development one to watch closely.