War, displacement and collaboration are main themes in Hot Docs ‘Made in Exile’ program

Director Timeea Mohamed Ahmed embarked on the journey of creating the documentary Khartoum with a clear vision in mind – to bring together multiple directors from Sudan to tell their stories. However, what they couldn’t anticipate was the sudden outbreak of war in Sudan, making it nearly impossible to continue filming on location. Forced to flee to East Africa in 2023, the team had to get creative in order to finish the film.

Using tools like green screens and animation, the crew recreated scenes that were too dangerous to film in person due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This innovative approach not only allowed them to complete the documentary but also added a unique visual element to the storytelling. Ahmed and his team faced numerous challenges, but their resilience and determination shone through in the finished product.

The film Khartoum is just one example of the many projects featured under the “Made in Exile” category at the Hot Docs Festival. This new category, co-sponsored by PEN Canada, showcases stories of war and crisis from artists who have been forced to leave their homelands. Despite the somber themes of the films, there is an underlying sense of hope and collaboration among the filmmakers.

Heather Haynes, the festival’s programming director, explained that the decision to introduce the “Made in Exile” category was partly influenced by the organization’s financial struggles. As the festival underwent changes to streamline its offerings, the opportunity to highlight artists from multiple regions seemed like a timely addition.

One of the filmmakers affected by this shift was Areeb Zuaiter, whose documentary Yalla Parkour explores the journey of a young parkour athlete trying to leave Gaza. The film was completed just before the outbreak of war in the region, offering a poignant glimpse of life in Gaza before the conflict escalated. Zuaiter’s personal connection to the territory and her own sense of exile added depth to the project.

Another film featured in the “Made in Exile” category is The Longer You Bleed, which delves into the impact of social media on young Ukrainians during the war in Ukraine. The film’s producer and subject, Liubov Dyvak, shared how her personal experiences of trauma and guilt influenced the documentary’s themes. Working on the project provided a sense of unity and connection among Ukrainians living in exile, offering a source of hope amidst the devastation of war.

The “Made in Exile” category at the Hot Docs Festival serves as a platform for filmmakers to share their stories of resilience, creativity, and collaboration in the face of adversity. Through their innovative approaches and shared experiences, these artists shed light on the human impact of war and displacement, reminding audiences of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding.