- Source: Eiman Yousif
Eiman Yousif (Arabic: إيمان يوسف, born 17 December 1992), is a Sudanese actress, singer, song writer and human's rights activist best known for her character Mona in the 2023 drama film Goodbye Julia. Directed by Mohamed Kordofani, the film scooped Sudan's first-ever international nomination at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 winning the Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award).
Biography
Born on 17 December 1992 in Khartoum, Eiman Yousif earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the School of Management Studies at the University of Khartoum. During her time as a student, Eiman was a member of the Faculty Choir. She is also part of the prestigious Bait Aloud Orchestra and has performed at numerous events both within Sudan and internationally. Eiman founded herself in the public sphere when a photo of her participating in a demonstration went viral, becoming an iconic image of the 2018 Sudanese revolution.
It was on social media that Mohamed Kordofani first encountered Eiman in a viral live video in which she was singing in one of her private concerts at Someet Gallery in Khartoum. He would later cast her in the award-winning drama film Goodbye Julia where she played the co-lead character, Mona. She also recorded one of the movie's main soundtracks, Tell me how? (Arabic: قول لي كيف, romanized: Gol Ley Kef) which features Sudanese rapper, Nile.
As a singer and composer, she released her single "Where is The Dream" expressing her sentiments about the deteriorating political situation in Sudan following the revolution. She was also one of the leading voices in the 2024 musical collaboration "We Stay Well Together" 2024 musical collaboration, advocating for peaceful coexistence in Sudan. Drawing attention to violations of children's rights during the ongoing war in her homeland, she participated in Unite with the Children of Sudan Conference organized by Save the Children, USAID, and UNICEF in Nairobi, where she contributed with her song Inta Altreeg (You’re the Path).
Following the tragic outbreak of war in Sudan, which began in Khartoum, Eiman was forced to leave her home after the filming of Goodbye Julia for Cairo, Egypt, where she currently lives with her family.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognitions
Award in Arab Radio and TV Festival Tunisia, 2024.
Special Mention in IFF Art Film in Kosice, Slovakia, 2024.
Special Mention in Rotterdam Arab Film Festival, 2024.
References
External links
Eiman Yousif at IMDb
Goodbye Julia – Photocall at Cannes 2023
Interview in Arabic for Asharq Al-Awsat on how the war in Sudan stole the joy from the success of Goodbye Julia
Gol Ley Kef (Tell me how), a soundtrack for Goodbye Julia (Tell me how) performed by Eiman Yousif & Niile on YouTube
