What film won the top prize at the Thessaloniki Film Festival?

The Sudanese drama "Cotton Queen" won the Golden Alexander award for best feature film at the Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Who directed the award-winning film "Cotton Queen"?

The film was directed by Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani, who is the first-ever Sudanese woman to helm a feature film.

How did the Sudanese civil war impact the making of "Cotton Queen"?

The film's cast and crew are now displaced from their homes in Sudan and seeking refuge in Egypt, where the film was shot. Despite the challenges, Mirghani dedicated the award to Sudan's civil war victims and resilient artists.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sudanese Drama "Cotton Queen" Wins Top Prize at Thessaloniki Film Festival

Sudanese Drama "Cotton Queen" Wins Top Prize at Thessaloniki Film Festival

9 Nov

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Summary

Sudanese drama "Cotton Queen" wins Golden Alexander at Thessaloniki Film Festival
Film directed by Sudanese woman, features displaced cast and crew
Filmmaker dedicates award to Sudan's civil war victims and resilient artists

Sudanese Drama "Cotton Queen" Wins Top Prize at Thessaloniki Film Festival

Last month, the Sudanese drama "Cotton Queen" emerged victorious at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, taking home the prestigious Golden Alexander award for best feature film. The arresting debut from director Suzannah Mirghani, who is the first-ever Sudanese woman to helm a feature film, wowed the festival jury, which included industry veterans from the U.S. and Greece.

"Cotton Queen" follows the story of a young Sudanese woman living in a village on the Nile River. The granddaughter of a legendary "Cotton Queen," Nafisa works in her grandmother's fields and dreams of a future with the man she loves. However, her parents and community have other plans, setting off a conflict that upends Nafisa's life.