Sara, creator of the award-winning Heroic Bodies, will present her work on Sudanese feminism and body politics. Bernadette, director of Ollphéist Mhara, will discuss her Irish-language film exploring language preservation and climate change. 

The event includes presentations, Q&A sessions, and a practical storytelling workshop. 

Please note: Sara's work contains potentially triggering content related to female genital mutilation (FGM) and non-consensual medical procedures. 

This event is open to anyone over 18 and offers a glimpse into the filmmakers' creative processes, challenges faced, and the power of cinema to address crucial social and environmental issues.

This event takes place in Studio/Lab on the third floor of FACT.

ABOUT SARA SULIMAN

Sara Suliman is a UK-based Sudanese Filmmaker; A Chevening scholar, researcher, Producer, and Director; And founder of “Fenti (Dates in Nubian Dialect) Productions” an Independent Film Production House. Sara is a dedicated feminist and youth advocate, believing that Women and Sudanese Youth have a story yearning to be told and yet to be heard. She was awarded MA in Gender Studies from SOAS, University of London in 2017. Her first feature film “Heroic Bodies” had its world premiere in IDFA (2022) and was selected in the “Frontlight” section. It’s the first Sudanese feature film to be selected in a section in the history of IDFA. The film won the Audience Award in Malmo Arab Film Festival 2023, the Shireen Abu Akleh award for Best Documentary Film in Jerusalem Arab Film Festival and other awards.

ABOUT BERNADETTE MCBRIDE

Bernadette McBride is an English writer, director, and creative practitioner of Irish heritage who lives and works in Liverpool. She won an award for the 'Biggest Impact on the City of Liverpool' in 2019, she was shortlisted for the Manchester Fiction Prize in 2020, and in 2022 she was shortlisted for 'The best nature-based social prescribing project' for her creative practitioner and social advocacy work. Bernadette is the author of Roots: Eco-Journal (2019), her short fiction has appeared across several anthologies, and her short story "Sea Monster" has been translated into the Irish language for a short film adaptation shot on the Aran islands, Ireland (March 2024) and is now in the post-production process.

ABOUT STUDIO/LAB

Studio/Lab is a space for creative experimentation that nurtures a vibrant community of artists, researchers and technologists. Located on the top floor, Studio/Lab is dedicated to supporting your practice, creating new work, and providing opportunities to present and test your ideas.

With Studio/Lab membership, enjoy access to a large city-centre workspace including video and sound editing studios, new-generation technology, entry-level immersive kit, and digital production tools. You’ll be able to attend knowledge-sharing opportunities with artists and creatives who have expertise in a wide range of practices, as well as community meetings and socials.

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