Sudan Independent Film Festival: A Voice That Refuses Silence

Due to the ongoing war and escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the Sudan Independent Film Festival (SIFF) was unable to hold its edition in Khartoum. Nevertheless, the festival team ensured its continued presence through parallel activities in the diaspora, reaffirming its commitment to cinema as a tool for cultural resistance and human rights advocacy.

Major Artistic Achievement

Among its most significant accomplishments was its involvement in producing the feature documentary “Khartoum”, which premiered internationally at the Sundance Film Festival and later toured major international festivals. The film received critical acclaim, including the prestigious Bill Nemtin Award for Social Impact at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. Talal Afifi was credited as the film’s producer.

Film Restoration and Capacity Building

In partnership with Cimatheque, SIFF co-organized the digital restoration training program REMASTERED, aimed at strengthening local expertise in film preservation. The program concluded with a public screening at Cinema Zawya, contributing to safeguarding Sudan’s cinematic heritage.

Regional and International Partnerships

The festival launched a traveling season titled “Voices and Visions of Sudan – A Cinematic Reflection” across cinemas in the United Kingdom and Ireland, curated by Talal Afifi, expanding the reach of Sudanese cinema globally.

SIFF was also officially listed as a partner in the REWIND FORWARD project on film heritage, supported by Arab Fund for Arts and Culture – AFAC and spanning 27 months. Additionally, the festival contributed to launching UNREST, an initiative led by King’s College London focused on reclaiming African cinema heritage under African leadership.

Talal Afifi further served as a jury member for the Feature Film Fund at the Sharjah Film Platform.

Multi-City Solidarity Initiative

SIFF participated in developing the solidarity program “Azza… Gaza” (Ramallah, Cairo, Nairobi), held from December 19–24, 2025 at Cinema Zawya in Cairo, reinforcing cinema’s role in amplifying voices of justice and dignity.

Although physically absent from Khartoum, the Sudan Independent Film Festival demonstrated that cinema transcends borders—and that cultural memory cannot be silenced.