Irish-Sudanese Film Preview: The Martyrs of Khartoum

SHORT FILM LAUNCH – The Martyrs of Khartoum

Sudanese Doctors Based in Ireland Share Their Testimonies
of the Khartoum Massacre

Tuesday, June 2 – 7:00 pm: Register Here

The Irish Global Health Network is hosting the online preview of a new short film by independent film-makers Simon Murtagh and Mark Murphy entitled: The Martyrs of Khartoum. The film details the story of three Irish-based Sudanese doctors, Sara Massawi, Sarah Khalifa and Rania Ahmed, and the roles they played to treat the injured during what has become known as the Khartoum Massacre in Sudan on 3rd June, 2019. 

All three doctors risked their own lives by responding to an attack by security forces on young sit-in protesters in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. With death toll estimations in excess of 100 unarmed civilians, those killed were referred to as “martyrs” by their fellow protesters.

In this new short film, Sara, Sarah and Rania describe the dramatic events of that day, the unbreakable spirit of the protesters and their hopes for the future of Sudan.

Two of the doctors, Sara and Rania had just arrived to Sudan from Ireland shortly before the intensification of conflict—which led to the bloodshed. The film begins on the morning they answered the emergency call from the Sudan Central Doctors’ Committee to rush to hospitals to treat the injured.

It features testimonies and footage of the three doctors detailing their personal accounts of events and how they themselves came under attack as they went about their work of treating the injured. The film describes the chaos of the attack, the subsequent medical response, the psychological effects on those involved – and the outstanding need for justice and accountability for the young protesters.

The Martyrs of Khartoum will be given this preview screening by the Irish Global Health Network at 7pm on 2nd June, 2020 on the eve of the anniversary of the Khartoum Massacre. After the film, there will a short discussion hosted by the Irish Global Health Network’s Nadine Ferris France and featuring Dr. Sara Massawi, one of the doctors in the film.

The film is made by Simon Murtagh and Mark Murphy. Simon Murtagh is an independent producer who has worked on African political affairs and human rights causes throughout his career. Mark Murphy is a film maker and composer who has worked on Oscar nominated and Emmy award winning productions.

VIEW THE TRAILER

REGISTER HERE FOR THE FILM LAUNCH