Yesterday I saw Goodbye Julia at Sea View Theatre, a film set in Sudan about two women who become friends after a tragedy that would have made them enemies if they had known the truth about what happened.
Sudanese actor Ger Duany was there for a question and answer session after the film.
Ger “was born in Akobo (then part of Sudan) on November 9, 1978. He had his first experience of war at the age of seven. His family and community were uprooted. At age 13, war separated him from his mother, and he resorted to becoming a child soldier as a means of survival during South Sudan’s struggle for independence. Duany later became a refugee in Ethiopia and then Kenya, and was resettled to the United States from Dadaab camp at the age of 15. Duany went on to earn a college degree. He built a career as an actor and fashion model. In mid-2011, he co-produced and starred in the documentary Ger: To Be Separate, about his journey from war child to refugee to Hollywood actor and international model. The film also showed his return to South Sudan, voting for the first time and celebrating the country’s newly acquired independence on 9 July 2011.” (According to Wikipedia.)
He also wrote the following memoir:
After seeing such a film, it feels a little too light to go to an evening party at the Odd Fellows Hall where there are drinks and chatting. Thankfully our church had a concert that I went to in between.
Here are a few shots of the Club Paradiso evening party:
My hope is that meaningful connections were and are being made over this weekend to further the important goals of people like Ger and others, whatever they may be. Though this afternoon’s film about North Korea (Beyond Utopia) is full, I may see if there are some no-shows so I can get an open seat. I know it’s hard to watch the unbelievable hardships people are having to endure, but it’s important for us to know them so that we don’t get too caught up in our plush American lives – I include myself in that statement. In my prayers, I am always grateful for food, a home, freedom, warm showers, electricity, safety, family, a loving community, and all the things we think are basic here, as some people have none of those.
May you enjoy the film selections this weekend, whether you are needing deep belly laughs, intense drama, or a chance to remember how fortunate we are and that we can use that to help others.
