Three Powerful Films From South Africa, Kenya, and Sudan Showing at Sundance 2025

B(l)ind The Sacrifice, which marks South African artist Nakhane's directorial debut, comes to Sundance for its North American premiere. The short film, which was previously screened at the Locarno Film Festival last August, follows a nomadic family that chose to live away from civilization, exploring themes of patriarchy, control, and the lasting effects of colonization through a contemporary retelling of the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac. The film stars Nandi Nyembe, Sihle Shona, and Treasure Nkosi, with stunning cinematography that uses the rugged terrain of Prince Albert as a metaphor for the story's brutal beauty.

Directed by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, How to Build a Libraryfollows two women in Nairobi working to transform a former whites-only library into a modern cultural hub. The film focuses on the physical rebuild of the space while exploring Kenya's colonial history, the complexities of local politics, and the challenges of raising funds for such an ambitious project.

Lekow, known for her work as a filmmaker and musician, brings an introspective perspective to the story alongside her co-director, King. The duo previously worked on the award-winning documentary The Letter, which explored themes of family, culture, and identity. Their new film continues its focus on stories that look at Kenya's rich but complicated past while addressing urgent questions about cultural reclamation and community resilience.

Khartoum is a collaborative project by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed and Phil Cox. The film tells the stories of five people who fled Sudan's capital amidst war, reenacting their experiences of survival, revolution, and hope. These personal stories give a human face to the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The directors combine reenactments and first-hand accounts to create an intimate and urgent narrative. The film also nods to the courage and determination of ordinary citizens navigating extraordinary challenges.

The selection of B(l)ind The Sacrifice, How to Build a Library, and Khartoum at Sundance reflects African cinema's growing recognition on global platforms. These three selections bring critical stories of family, community, survival, and identity to a broader audience. The films will be available online from Jan 29 through Feb 2, 2025, making them accessible to viewers worldwide — a significant step in bringing African storytelling to global audiences and ensuring that these narratives transcend beyond the festival circuit.