Story Arc

So here is how I think we could go with the story. Obviously we can modify/adapt using this as a base and as we go along. What do you think? We can discuss in detail when we meet next..

BASIC STRUCTURE:

Each chapter opens with a clip of an Open Themes member, saying something profound (about art, society, Islam, activism, culture..). These statements will serve as chapter openings. Then we go into a 3-5 minute chapter narrated by Moniem.  

 

CHAPTERS:

  -- Each chapter must somehow illustrate or connect with what the Open Themes member said at the beginning of the chapter --

 

Opening:

"As an artist and knowing so many artists, what is your dream for artists in Sudan?" Moniem answers. Then, "Why is art important to Sudan?" He answers. These two questions - and answers - state the intent of our film right up front.  

Chapter 1. 1991, Khartoum University of Arts 

Photos of Khartoum University and Khartoum from that time. Moniem voice over: "In 1986 we were asked to leave Khartoum University of Arts and Drama, 61 of us." 

Chapters 2-5. Moniem's chronological story  

- Early life story (including that photograph of his class in school)

- Sudan Airways play rehearsals

- Graduation play. "Moniem Sanaf", his nickname. Because that was the name of the theatre group he founded.

- Any other stories that Moniem might throw up.   

Chapter 6. Sudan film archive:

In 2005 Moniem went back to Sudan where he did some work trying to set up a film/cultural archive for his country. This should be a chapter by itself, as it also gives a picture of the situation in Sudan closer to the present.

Chapter 7. On the regime:

A brief summary of the regime by Moniem. Nothing too 'evil', more about the various everyday oppressions. Gives us a chance to include photographs from the BBC or other news sources.    

Chapter 8. The group today:

We show all of these men and women together, at their lectures and in the pub. We have already been introduced to many of them in the clips that opened each chapter. Now we show them in the present, chatting, laughing and also saying a word or two about what they think is the way forward for Sudan, both artistically and politically.

Closing:

We end on a note of possibility. How these men and women want their country to be.