A year since Goodbye Julia made its debut at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, lead actress and singer Eiman Yousif views its Netflix premiere with mixed feelings.
After escaping Sudan's civil war to live between Tunisia and Nairobi, she says the critically acclaimed film’s message is more potent than before.
Set in Khartoum, Goodbye Julia highlights some of the systemic bigotry that laid the seeds for the 2011 referendum that has split Sudan.
As well as forming the nation of South Sudan, the rupture indirectly resulted in a wave of political and economic instability. Mass protests upended the 25-year rule of Sudan’s former president Omar Bashir in 2019 and the ensuing military power struggle has led to the latest bloodshed.
“Honestly, I feel more disappointed than angry,” Yousif tells The National.
“I do worry about what is going to happen because we were so full of hope to build a new Sudan after the 2019 revolution and now this mess just happened again.”
Goodbye Julia, Yousif says, looks at the “moral corruption” that can slowly tear a country apart.
The film follows its namesake, a South Sudanese young woman (Siran Riak) who finds herself living in a tent after her family's eviction by xenophobic neighbours.
After her South Sudanese husband Santino is killed following an encounter with northern Sudanese housewife Mona (Yousif), the women strike a complex relationship that lays bare the racial fault lines through a once unified country.
The film’s disturbing and at times graphic portrayal of the racism experienced by South Sudanese at the hands of northern neighbours are necessary, Yousif notes.
“We need to admit that we are not angels but human beings,” she says. “We as Sudanese, and I am sorry to say this, love to sometimes play the role of the victim or being neutral and that we cannot hurt anyone. But [the film] shows that maybe we have indirectly hurt someone or know someone that did and we did nothing about it … That is also a kind of corruption.”
Yousif is now rebuilding her life after the civil war started days before the film’s premiere in Cannes.
[The film] shows that maybe we have indirectly hurt someone or know someone that did and we did nothing about it
Eiman Yousif
Following an arduous escape from Khartoum to Cairo, she made it to the festival where Goodbye Julia went on to win the Freedom Award.
Amid the standing ovations and industry buzz, Yousif recalls experiencing survivor’s guilt in the French Riviera.
“I kept crying because I couldn't handle all that was happening. Sometimes I felt like I was selfish because I am there and not in my homeland. But on the other hand this was a dream come true for me because I always wanted a career as a singer and actor,” she says.
“I remember director Mohamed Kordofani telling me 'Come on Eman, it's only five days. We are all going to enjoy it and then you can go and cry after.'”
The tears eventually made way for tenacity with Yousif processing the pain through song.
Released in February, the buoyant melodies of latest track Wain Alhilim (Where is the Dream) partly disguises the anguished lyrics surrounding Sudan’s predicament.
“Where did the dream go? Why did they sell it?” she sings. “They sold the homeland and we are the ones paying the price. Our hope is in a great tomorrow.”
The song is a follow up to Gol Ley Kef (Tell Me How), a collaboration with Sudanese rapper Niile, which was featured in Goodbye Julia.
Yousif says she somewhat identifies with her character Mona, who throughout the film tries to keeps her fledgling singing career a secret from her conservative husband.
While Yousif's family were appreciative of her talents, they expressed concerns regarding her ability to build a sustainable music and film career in a country without the necessary infrastructure. Goodbye Julia director Kordofani only caught wind of her talent after discovering her by chance on YouTube.
At the time, she was performing the occasional cafe gig in Khartoum and studying at the local branch of the Bait Al Oud music conservatory while juggling a full-time job as a sales executive for a manufacturer.
“My mother would always tell me, 'Eiman, I want to remind you that you are just one person and you can't be all these different people,'” Yousif says. “And you know, sometimes I wish there were two of me – one to do the same secure job and the other that can sing and act.”
Her mother’s eventual approval strengthened Yousif's commitment to following the artistic path. After begrudgingly attending a number of rehearsal sessions at the conservatory she not only experienced her daughter's artistry, but that of a new generation of Sudanese youth performing as musicians and soloists.
“My mother said how all of the Sudanese people need to see this, that we are all doing well and we should continue,” Yousif recalls.
With the civil war forcing the conservatory to close at present, Goodbye Julia continues to show her talent to the world.
Goodbye Julia is now streaming on Netflix
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Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
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The five stages of early child’s play
From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:
1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.
2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.
3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.
4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.
5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Rating: 3.5/5
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jetour T1 specs
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5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Zayed Sustainability Prize
ELECTION%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3EMacron%E2%80%99s%20Ensemble%20group%20won%20245%20seats.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20second-largest%20group%20in%20parliament%20is%20Nupes%2C%20a%20leftist%20coalition%20led%20by%20Jean-Luc%20Melenchon%2C%20which%20gets%20131%20lawmakers.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20far-right%20National%20Rally%20fared%20much%20better%20than%20expected%20with%2089%20seats.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20centre-right%20Republicans%20and%20their%20allies%20took%2061.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Siblings: five brothers and one sister
Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota
Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym
Favourite place: UAE
Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera
What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Ramy%3A%20Season%203%2C%20Episode%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreators%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAri%20Katcher%2C%20Ryan%20Welch%2C%20Ramy%20Youssef%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERamy%20Youssef%2C%20Amr%20Waked%2C%20Mohammed%20Amer%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Favourite film: The Notebook
Favourite book: What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Favourite quote: “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness” Nelson Madela. Hometown: Emmen, The Netherlands
Favourite activities: Walking on the beach, eating at restaurants and spending time with friends
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
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