Renowned filmmaker Phil Cox found himself embroiled in a compelling narrative that began in an unexpected place – a prison cell, his own cell. Following his stint in a Sudanese jail in 2017 after creating a documentary for Channel 4 News during President Omar al-Bashir’s regime, Cox, a seasoned professional in conflict news, leveraged his confinement to establish crucial connections.
Upon his return to Khartoum in 2021, amid the country’s transition to a joint military-civilian government post-dictatorship, Cox embarked on a mission to reconnect with individuals he encountered during his imprisonment. Supported by British Council funding, Cox, who has earned accolades for his work with Native Voice Films for platforms like Netflix and HBO, spent eight months capturing the essence of Khartoum by empowering local residents with donated mobile phones to document their daily experiences.
Collaborating with Sudanese filmmakers, the resulting film, simply titled “Khartoum,” delves into the lives of five individuals – plastic bottle collectors Wilson and Lokain, tea stall owner Khadmallah, civil servant Majdi, and resistance committee volunteer Jawad. The project took an unexpected turn as escalating tensions in the city culminated in violent clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and the pro-Arab Rapid Support Forces during filming in April 2023.
Transforming from filmmaker to rescuer, Cox found himself navigating chaos and danger to ensure the safety of his crew and subjects as conflict engulfed the city. Despite the challenges, the essence of the city came to life through the film, showcasing the resilience and courage of everyday individuals facing extraordinary circumstances.
Following the harrowing events, Cox reunited the protagonists, now refugees, in Nairobi, Kenya, where they revisited memories of Khartoum and the turmoil they endured. The film poignantly juxtaposes scenes of normalcy with the stark realities of conflict, highlighting the bravery and fortitude of the protagonists.
The narrative particularly focuses on Wilson and Lokain, who, despite their young age, witnessed and experienced profound hardships during the violence in Khartoum. Their testimonies reflect the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent lives, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for those affected by such tragedies.
As the film prepares for screenings at Film Africa 2025 and the BBC, Cox emphasizes the importance of shedding light on Sudan’s plight and the resilience of its people. Through their stories, Cox aims to bring attention to the struggles faced by individuals often overlooked in mainstream narratives, highlighting their remarkable acts of heroism amidst adversity.