Sudanese Cinema: Past, Present, and Future
Location: Central YMCA | 20 Grosvenor Street
Sudanese cinema has a rich yet often overlooked history shaped by resilience amid political instability, censorship, and scarce resources. Despite these challenges, filmmakers have long reflected Sudan’s complex social and cultural realities through powerful storytelling. Since the 2019 revolution, a new generation of directors are redefining the landscape, bringing fresh perspectives to local and global audiences. This panel explores how Sudanese filmmakers confront state-imposed barriers, the role of film in introducing new narratives about Sudan, and what this pivotal moment—marked by displacement, technological change, and a vibrant diaspora—means for the future of the country’s evolving film industry.
This ticket grants you access to our opening night programming, which includes Khartoum, preceded by Suddenly TV, and our industry panel, Sudanese Cinema: Past, Present and Future.
Speakers and panelists
Rolla Tahir Panelist
Rolla is an independent filmmaker currently developing a slate of films through her production company, Qan Yama Qan Films. She is the co-founder and artistic director of Toronto Arab Film, the only pan-Arab film festival in Toronto. She holds a specialist degree in Cinema Studies from the University of Toronto.
Ayat Salih Panelist
Ayat Salih is a Toronto-based filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist and researcher with a BA in Media Production from Toronto Metropolitan University. Drawing from her Sudanese heritage, Ayat is drawn to themes of intimacy, grief, social performance, and the mystical. Her art ultimately seeks to uncover hidden processes and open new ways of living and imagining.
Marwa Eltahir Panelist
Based in Queens, NY, Marwa is invested in storytelling as an act of transformation. Born from Omdurman, Sudan, Marwa recognizes the power of story-sharing to bequeath valuable ancestral knowledge and technologies. Marwa is the founder of Our Political Home (OPH), an art incubator for trans & queer African storytellers.
Timeea Mohamed Ahmed Panelist
Timeea Mohamed Ahmed is an award-winning Sudanese director, editor and producer working across documentary, experimental films, and digital media. Based in Canada, he is best known for Khartoum (2025), with other notable works including Saddari (2023). In addition to film, Timeea is actively engaged in advocacy and commercial media production.