In August 2005, a pivotal moment unfolds in Sudan as the civil war between the government and the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has just come to a close, leading to SPLM leader John Garang being appointed Vice President. Among the complex tapestry of lives affected by this turmoil are Mona, a well-off Muslim housewife residing in Khartoum with her husband, Akram, and Julia, a poor Christian woman from the South who shares her life with her husband, Santino, and their young son, Daniel.
The announcement of Garang's tragic death in a helicopter crash ignites chaos across the city, with riots erupting even in Mona's neighborhood. In the midst of this uncertainty, Julia’s family faces eviction and is forced to take shelter in makeshift accommodations. In a twist of fate, while driving nearby, Mona accidentally strikes Daniel with her car, prompting a frantic chase by Santino on his motorcycle. In a desperate moment, Mona reaches out to Akram, claiming she is being pursued by a "Southerner." Once at home, the situation escalates tragically as Akram fatally shoots Santino, mistaking him for a threat. Distraught over the loss of life, Mona later confronts her husband, who argues that his actions were justified in self-defense.
As Julia desperately searches for her husband, she is unable to find him and resorts to working as a street vendor to survive. In a turn of events, Mona discovers Julia and offers her a position as a maid. When Julia is evicted yet again, Mona steps in, providing shelter for Julia and Daniel within her home. The two women share their stories, revealing their struggles and dreams—Mona once had a singing career until Akram made her give it up, while Julia shares her fears of Santino abandoning them. Moved by compassion, Mona even offers to finance Daniel's education at a private school, which Julia reluctantly accepts.
However, complications arise as Akram expresses his discontent, telling Mona that Daniel wouldn't fit in at the prestigious school and pointing out the disparity between them. He callously hints that Mona should seek friendships among her "kind," dismissing Julia’s status and calling her a "slave." This prompts Mona to confront her own prejudice, leading her to remove the red nail polish she used to mark the dishes for Julia, signifying her desire to treat Julia as an equal.
Fast forward to December 2010, Julia encounters Majier, an SPLM member who passionately advocates for a separate country for southerners. During this time, Julia is encouraged to embrace her musical talents once more, as she reconnects with her church choir and impressively performs alongside them. Majier harbors romantic feelings for Julia, culminating in a kiss at his Christmas party, during which he invites her to join him in the South and offers to help find Santino. However, Julia declines his advances, choosing to maintain her distance.
Meanwhile, Daniel, now 11 and facing bullying at school, uncovers his father's motorcycle in a neighbor's possession. Concerned for his son, Mona tries to divert his curiosity, but he confides in Majier, who arrives with armed SPLM members. Majier accuses Akram of murdering Santino, raising tensions between the families. In a moment of heated confrontation, Akram reluctantly apologizes, but not before Majier expresses his disbelief in Akram's affection for Julia and strikes him in anger.
The ensuing argument between Akram and Mona escalates, culminating in her declaration of her desire to reclaim her singing career, prompting Akram to demand she vacate the house. The narrative reaches a climax as the referendum for South Sudanese statehood successfully passes with over 98% of the vote, marking a historical turning point. Julia and Daniel find a new home away from the turmoil of Akram's household. When Mona visits them, she confronts Julia about her knowledge of Santino’s fate, revealing the complexity of their intertwined lives. Julia admits she had suspected the truth early on after discovering Santino’s wallet in Akram’s house.
As emotions run high, with Mona accusing Julia of exploitation and Julia defending her actions as sacrifices made for Daniel's future, they share a poignant moment, with Mona resting her head on Julia's lap. In a powerful montage, the story captures Julia and Daniel’s journey as they board a ferry that proudly displays the Sudanese and South Sudanese flags, juxtaposed with Mona rediscovering her voice through song, and Majier leading a truck carrying soldiers. The film culminates in a striking image of Daniel, seated proudly in the front of the truck, holding a rifle—a haunting symbol of the tumultuous circumstances enveloping their lives.
-IESY-H_aPcxSIg.jpg)
