Cinema Arabiyya is back for our second screening featuring the film AKASHA by Hajooj Kuka.

Referred to as “the first Sudanese stoner comedy”, aKasha is a universal offbeat love story set in a time of civil war. Adnan is a Sudanese revolutionary who is considered a war hero. His love for his AK47 rifle is equalled only by his feelings for Lina, his long-suffering sweetheart. When Adnan is late to return to his military unit after his leave, army commander Blues launches a kasha: the rounding up and arresting of truant soldiers. Adnan is caught-off guard and makes a run for it with pacifist Absi. The two unlikely friends plot ways to reunite Adnan with his gun – and with Lina – while avoiding their fellow soldiers. Through a series of wry and humorous incidents over 24 hours, we explore life and ideology in rebel-held areas of Sudan.

The situation in Sudan is no laughing matter but I hope this film will open up a conversation about Sudan’s history and the current genocide.

Introduced by Yasmina Tawil