Beats of the Antonov is a documentary film following the displaced existences of the Blue Nile and Nuba Mountain communities along the border of North and South Sudan. Directed by Hajooj Kuka (who was born in Sudan), the film sets out to explore the issues of identity that lie at the heart of the Sudanese civil war.
Winner of the 2014 People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, Beats of the Antonov explores the resilience of a community in the face of cultural oppression, through music and dance.
Instead of focusing solely on the Sudanese conflict, Kuka chooses to spotlight the vibrant cultural traditions of the Nuba population and the ways in which these are recreated in refugee camps. Scenes of music-making are interspersed with interviews and observational shots to provide a personal representation of the reality on the ground.
Beats of the Antonov is a short but optimistic film that throws up more questions than answers, bringing much-needed attention to the on-going conflict in Sudan, whilst also demonstrating the important role of music in maintaining hope and identity.
The screening is a collaboration between Counterpoints Arts and BFI, in conjunction with Refugee Week and African Odysseys – a programme of films by and about the people of Africa.
Tickets will be £6.50, available to buy on the BFI website.
