The inaugural edition of the Doha Film Festival (DFF) has put a spotlight on Sudanese cinema, showcasing films that reflect the resilience of a nation in turmoil. Among the featured works is Cotton Queen, the debut feature from Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani. The film recently won the Golden Alexander for best feature at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for both Mirghani and Sudanese cinema.
This year’s festival arrives at a time when Sudanese films, much like their creators, are striving for visibility amidst ongoing conflict and mass displacement. Mirghani notes that the festival’s focus on Sudanese culture is particularly meaningful, stating, “In many parts of the world, Sudanese communities feel overlooked. Here, there’s a sense of being seen.”
Cotton Queen emerged from a script that initially oscillated between a short and a full-length feature. Mirghani first showcased her vision through the 2020 short film Al-Sit, which gained recognition by winning the Canal+/Cine+ Award at Clermont-Ferrand. This project laid the groundwork for her debut feature, which delves into the history and significance of Sudanese cotton.
The narrative follows Nafisa, a teenager portrayed by Mihad Murtada, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle over genetically modified cotton seeds that threaten her village’s traditional crop. Mirghani emphasizes the cultural and economic importance of cotton in Sudan, explaining, “Cotton is central to Sudan in every aspect.” The film intertwines personal growth with ecological themes, allowing viewers to engage with the characters rather than feeling lectured.
The film’s title draws inspiration from the historical Cotton Queen competitions, which were beauty contests for mill workers in the 1930s, reflecting struggles within the industry. Mirghani aims to reclaim this narrative, stating, “I wanted to reclaim that competition and turn it on its head.”
Initially, Mirghani planned to film Cotton Queen entirely in Sudan with a predominantly Sudanese cast and crew. However, the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 forced her to relocate production to Egypt, where many collaborators had fled. Mirghani underscores the disruption caused by the war, saying, “The war disrupted everything: lives, livelihoods, cultural works.”
Despite the logistical challenges, the Egyptian setting provided a backdrop similar to Sudan’s cotton fields, fostering a sense of continuity. Some cast members were still grappling with their recent experiences of displacement, yet the filmmaking process became a source of stability and community for them. Mirghani reflects, “They wanted the film to bring them together. Sudan is deeply communal, and they found that on set.”
The production team included international partners such as ZDF/Das Kleine Fernsehspiel, ARTE, Film Clinic, and others, showcasing a broad co-production network. The DFF also includes the Sounds of Sudan music program, resonating with Mirghani, who views music as a narrative element. The film opens with traditional girls’ songs performed in women-only spaces, further enriching its cultural context.
With only a handful of Sudanese fiction films in existence, Mirghani feels the weight of this scarcity. “There may be only 10 Sudanese fiction films ever made by Sudanese filmmakers,” she estimates. The recognition at DFF is crucial, particularly as many cast and crew members, still scattered across Egypt, will be brought to Doha for the screening. Mirghani expressed her excitement, saying, “We’ll watch the film together, on screen, for the first time. That’s a gift.”
Looking ahead, Mirghani envisions Cotton Queen reaching Sudanese communities worldwide, especially those in diaspora and refugee contexts. She underlines the film’s purpose: creating connections for Sudanese audiences, stating, “Right now, we don’t have a country. So to be connected through this film would be my greatest measure of success.”
With international sales handled by Totem Films, the film aims to travel widely, extending its reach and fostering a sense of belonging for Sudanese people wherever they may be.
