Goodbye Julia - film screening and Q&A panel

To celebrate Refugee Week, join us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed Sudanese film Goodbye Julia on Thursday 19 June at the State Library of NSW.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Adama Kamara from the Refugee Council of Australia; Rosemary Kariuki OAM, advocate for migrant and refugee women and 2021 winner of the Australia’s Local Hero award; Nyaluak Leth, Sudanese poet; and Ahmed El Tahir from the Darfur Community Association.

Goodbye Julia (2023), directed by Mohamed Kordofani, is a poignant exploration of the complex relationship between two women from northern and southern Sudan in the lead-up to the country’s division in 2011. The film delves into themes of guilt, forgiveness and the search for common ground amidst deep-seated division. It was the first Sudanese film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Freedom Prize.

This Refugee Week screening aims to foster dialogue around the refugee experience, highlighting the resilience and contribution of refugees within our communities. Our panellists Adama Kamara, Rosemary Kariuki, Nyaluak Leth and Ahmed El Tahir will offer deeper insights into the film’s themes and the broader context of displacement and community integration.

Everyone is invited to join us in this celebration of storytelling, resilience, and unity.

Tickets are free. Bookings are essential.

Goodbye Julia is rated M for mature audiences. It contains some violence and sexual themes.

This event is presented by the City of Sydney in partnership with Africa Film Festival Australia, the State Library of New South Wales, the Refugee Council of Australia and the Darfur Community Association.

We aim to deliver inclusive and accessible training sessions. If you have any particular access or communication needs please contact Vicky Skarlatos, social programs officer on 02 9265 9333 or vskarlatos@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.