DESCRIPTION
“We – the women – are not allowed to make films or play football under Islamic rule” is the message in the opening credits of the film “Khartoum Offside”.
A group of young ladies in Khartoum are determined to play football professionally. They are prepared to defy the ban imposed by Sudan’s Islamic Military government. Their battle to get officially recognized as Sudan’s National Woman’s team is fearless, courageous and often laughable. Through the intimate portrait of these women over a number of years we follow their moments of hope and deception. There is a new spark of hope when the elections within the federation could mean real change of the entire system.
GALLERY
REVIEWS
“ They may be football fans living in a strictly patriarchal Muslim society, but what the protagonists are, above all, is young women, well aware of their sex and bodies, and the need to empower them and protect them.”
– Cineuropa, Vladan Petkovic
“Strong-willed, refreshingly liberated and ferociously independent, Zein’s footballers defy the mainstream perceptions of Sudanese women.”
– Middle East Eye, Joseph Fahim
Sudan cinema: Reviving a forgotten art
– Report by Al Jazeera watch here.
Interview with Marwa Zein about her filmmaking approach: Andariya.