Watch Talking About Trees

Talking About Trees is a 2019 documentary film that explores the challenges experienced by four veteran Sudanese filmmakers who decide to revive the country's film industry by restoring an old cinema. The movie stars Manar Al Hilo, Suleiman Ibrahim, Altayeb Mahdi, and Ibrahim Shaddad, who were all members of the Sudanese Film Group, a collective that reshaped the Sudanese film industry in the 1970s and 1980s.

The film follows the group's journey as they attempt to renovate the open-air cinema in their hometown of Khartoum, which had been closed down for over 30 years due to censorship and neglect. As the group navigates bureaucratic obstacles, inadequate funding, and the hostility of the authorities, the film explores the broader political and social issues that threaten to stifle creativity and expression in contemporary Sudan.

Despite the challenges they face, the filmmakers remain determined to revive the cinema and inspire a new generation of Sudanese filmmakers. The group's resilience and creativity are highlighted in their attempts to repair the projector, create a makeshift screen, and organize screenings in unconventional places, like a children's playground. The film is as much about the art of cinema as it is about the struggles of the Sudanese artists who have kept it alive despite daunting odds.

Talking About Trees is a poignant and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the situation in Sudan in the aftermath of the 2019 revolution that resulted in the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir. The film's subtle criticism of the Sudanese government and its limitations on free speech and artistic expression is conveyed through the stories of the four filmmakers, who have all experienced censorship and repression in their own lives.

At the same time, the film highlights the importance of culture and art in fostering social change and bringing people together. The cinema, in particular, becomes a symbol of hope and resistance for the Sudanese people, as the filmmakers and their supporters come together to celebrate their shared love of film and to demand a more open and democratic society.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to stunning shots of the Sudanese landscape, as well as archival footage of the country's rich cinematic past. The film's focus on the beauty of Sudan and its cultural heritage is a reminder that there is more to the country than just conflict and violence. Talking About Trees is a timely reminder of the power of art and culture to inspire change and promote understanding.

In conclusion, Talking About Trees is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on the challenges faced by Sudanese filmmakers, while also highlighting the importance of art and culture in promoting social change. The filmmakers are portrayed as resilient and courageous advocates of creative expression and the open exchange of ideas, and their efforts to revive the cinema are an inspiration to us all. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, art, and culture, and for those who believe in the transformative power of cinema.