Hind Meddeb’s documentary, “Sudan, Remember Us,” emerged as the top winner at the ninth Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF), which concluded on Wednesday after running from May 2nd to 7th.
The film, captured largely with a handheld camera, follows young Sudanese activists’ hopeful defiance after a dictatorship’s fall and the subsequent military crackdown.
Competing in the Feature Film Competition, “Sudan, Remember Us” received the prestigious Asia Dagher Award, adding to its international acclaim from screenings at festivals like Marrakech, Venice, and Toronto.
Other winners announced at the closing ceremony included Matteo Simoni and Basil Wheatley for Best Actor in “Milano,” Hasti Mahamay for Best Actress in “Connection,” and Kim Su Yeon for Best Screenplay for “My Best, Your Least.” Agnieszka Zwiefka’s “Silent Trees” received the Jury Award, and the Best Director award went to the collective for “The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos.” In the Short Film Competition, Agnes Skonare won Best Director for “Favours,” while Marta Koch’s “Void Spaces” received both the Special Jury Award and the Nahed Nasrallah Award. “Love Bites” by Mahmoud Zain received a Special Mention. The Best Euro-Mediterranean film focusing on women’s issues was “Moon” by Kurdwin Ayub, with “Butterflies” receiving a Special Mention. Rodaina Kamal’s “Abia” won Best Film in the Films With Impact Competition, with “Sound From Downtown” receiving a Special Mention and “Fatma” winning Best Idea. This year, AIWFF introduced a segment for films from South Egypt, with “Molasses,” “Bubbles,” and “Rooted Tree” receiving the top three awards, and “It Hasn’t Been Wasted” receiving a Special Mention.
