Elevating the voices of artists and performers from within communities in conflict and their diasporas around the world who are rising up and speaking out for human dignity.
We are honored to co-present the Rising Up: Sudan series this July, including performances, conversations and films that will bring audiences together to witness, celebrate, and amplify the perspectives of communities in Sudan and its diaspora.
Learn more and register HERE for this free online performance, film and discussion series takes place online July 2-25 and includes the following events:
RISING UP: SUDAN OPENING NIGHT Live Performances - Thursday, July 2nd at 6pm PDT An evening of music and poetry performances from cast members of Revolution From Afar
REVOLUTION FROM AFAR SCREENING WITH CAST & CREW - Stream the film Thursday, July 9th at 6pm PDT and join the director, cast and crew for live reactions and Q&A immediately afterwards. Revolution From Afar (2019, USA, 65 minutes) dir Bentley Brown Sudanese-American poets and musicians engage in performances and a conversation around third culture identity and the revolution in Sudan, from which they have been physically cut off.
WHOSE SUDAN? SUDANESE IDENTITY IN THE DIASPORA - Live panel discussion, Saturday, July 11th at 10am PDT Delve into the complexities of Sudanese identity in the diaspora with members of the Revolution From Afar cast.
I AM BISHA + ART & ACTIVISM PANEL - Live panel discussion Saturday, July 18 at 10am PDT Watch the short film I Am Bisha anytime during the month of July and join director Roopa Gogineni in conversation with Sudanese artists and activists.
I Am Bisha: The Rebel Puppeteers of Sudan (2018, USA/Kenya) dir Roopa Gogineni What options do victimized populations have left when faced with a genocidal oppressor? One brave young Sudanese artist offers an answer in this short film directed by Roopa Gogineni. Ganja, the 26-year-old pacifist son of a rebel commander, travels across the Nuba Mountains of Sudan with a puppet of the dictatorial president Omar al-Bashir. In his performances, some of which include the participation of villagers, he satirizes “Bisha” and his ruthless and corrupt political dealings. Not only does he provide a modicum of hope and joy to the villages that have been ravaged by the Sudanese government’s bombs, but with his webcasts of the performances, he keeps the spirit of resistance alive.
KHARTOUM OFFSIDE - Stream the film July 23 - 25. Live panel discussion Saturday, July 25 at 10am PDT
Khartoum Offside (2019, Sudan/Norway/Denmark) dir Marwa Zein A group of exceptional young ladies in Khartoum are determined to play football professionally. They are prepared to defy the ban imposed by Sudan's Islamic Military government and they will not take no for an answer. Their battle to get officially recognized as Sudan's National Women's team is fearless, courageous and often laughable. But their struggle is unwavering. Through the intimate portrait of these women over a number of years we follow their moments of hope and deception. Despite the National Football Federation getting FIFA funds earmarked for the women's teams, this team continues to be marginalized. However, there is a new spark of hope when the elections within the federation could mean real change of the entire system.