Event overview
All welcome to join a screening followed by an online Q&A with the director Sara Suliman
We will open up a wider discussion about the film as well as the urgent forms of resistance by Sudanese in response to the current war and displacement crisis. Savoury snacks and drinks will be served.
About the film
Sudanese women were robbed of the rights to their own bodies throughout the modern ages enduring brutal and unfathomable forms of oppression, abuse, and violations from “Face Scarification”, “Genital Body Mutilation, “The Leather Strips Ripping - Cutting Al Rahat - (a Wedding Custom)”, to “Fistula” from the Rope Birthing Process, as well as denial of their basic civil rights. “Heroic Bodies” explores the various forms of the Sudanese Women’s struggle and resistance to take back their God-given rights to their bodies as well as establish their rights of existence in their Societies and Communities. Utilizing Body Politics techniques in Political Resistance, through demonstrations, civil disobedience, and hunger strikes, exposing themselves to imprisonment and torture; their persistent pursuit of the right to Education, enrolment in scientific training in Public Health and Midwifery, breaking the social norms by becoming artists and Entertainers, as well as embracing a Matriarchal Religion of women worship like “Zar”, where women are allowed to let their bodies run wild.
About the filmmaker
SARA SULIMAN is a UK-based Sudanese Filmmaker; A Chevening scholar, researcher, Producer, and Director; And founder of “Fenti (Dates in Nubian Dialect) Productions” an Independent Film Production House. Her first feature film “Heroic Bodies” had its world premiere in IDFA (2022) and was selected in the “Frontlight” section. It’s the first Sudanese feature film to be selected in a section in the history of IDFA. The film also won the Audience Award in Malmo Arab Film Festival 2023 and won the Shireen Abu Akleh award for Best Documentary Film in Jerusalem Arab Film Festival. The film was also a runner up for both the BURAQ Award & AUDIENCE Choice at MENA Film Festival/Vancouver.
Sara is a dedicated feminist and youth advocate, believing that Women and Sudanese Youth have a story yearning to be told and yet to be heard. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ahfad University for Women in Sudan (2010) and in 2017, was awarded MA in Gender Studies from SOAS, University of London.
Pay what you can information
Tickets are on a pay-what-you-can basis with suggested pricing of £5/10/15. No one turned away for lack of funds. If you cannot attend but would like to make a solidarity donation, please select the Solidarity Donation Only ticket and give what you can.
Members' donations will be sent by GUCU to support the Mumkin ممكن Initiative, a grassroots organisation providing relief to communities affected by war and displacement across Sudan, through community kitchens and distributing other essentials.
Mumkin ممكن Initiative Facebook page
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 16 May 2025 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm |
Accessibility
If you are attending an event and need the College to help with any mobility requirements you may have, please contact the event organiser in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
