Sudan, Remember Us (12A)
Directed by Hind Maddab
★★★★★

IN 2019 a young film-maker flew to Khartoum to film the sit-in that was taking place outside the army headquarters. Young activists were demanding reform after decades of military dictatorship. Hind Maddab identified with the dreams of the young people that she was filming, calling for peace, freedom, dignity and justice for all, women as well as men. These were the dreams that her father had shared for Arabs more widely, she goes on to explain.

The scenes from 2019 are absolutely intoxicating. This was a festival of the oppressed, standing up for their rights with energy and creativity, poetry and music. I found their enthusiasm inspiring. And also their courage. They were only too well aware of the dangers to themselves and their families, dangers which followed within months. Soldiers and militia moved in to smash up their encampment, burning their tents and those still inside them.

Maddab stayed in contact with young women activists subsequently, documenting their continuing determination to fight for a democratic civilian government (originally promised but not delivered, pre-empted by a military coup in 2021). Activists were subsequently arrested and surveillance increased.

The film ends with the stories of the young activists who managed to flee into exile as the situation in Sudan deteriorated. Yet Sudan was very sparsely covered in the media in France, Maddab explains, or indeed elsewhere. Sudan Remember Us strikes such a chord in contrast, testifying to the amazing courage and creativity of those who fought for democracy and human rights. Highly recommended.
MM
In cinemas June 27.

From Hilde, With Love (15)
Directed by Andreas Dresen
★★★★

NOT as well-known as the “White Rose” group and the Scholl siblings, the Berliners Hans and Hilde Coppi were also executed by the Nazis before the end of the war. Both belonged to the renowned Red Orchestra network working for the Soviet Union against the Nazis.

The film dramatises the true story of the short lives of Hilde (Liv Lisa Fries) and Hans Coppi (Johannes Hegemannand). From the early 1930s Hilde becomes part of a resistance group. She falls in love with Hans, and they enjoy a glorious summer together, despite the danger of their resistance activities. Eventually captured by the Gestapo, Hilde is imprisoned while pregnant, giving birth to a son in prison, and soon after, is executed, aged 34.

This film is not “political” with a capital P, but looks at how these young communists in Nazi Germany devote themselves selflessly to the resistance movement.

It’s about young people who sit together, have fun, go to the lake, camp and fall in love. They realise they are living in a society ruled by thugs and fanatics and want to do something about it. They are incredibly courageous, know what decency is and follow through with a consistency that is humbling.

With this film, director Dresen portrays both characters in a deeply human way, hoping to touch people’s hearts and minds.

The acting and camerawork are excellent, but in the end it leaves you drained and even despondent. 
JG
In cinemas June 27.

The Road to Patagonia (15)
Directed by Matty Hannon
★★★

THIS intimate, persuasive documentary borders on the spiritual as it extols the virtues of leaving behind our consumer-led society to become one with nature. 

Shot over 16 years, it follows Australian ecologist writer-director, cinematographer and editor Matty Hannon as he embarks on an extraordinary solo adventure, surfing his way from Alaska down to Patagonia. On his quest he meets the love of his life Heather Hillier, a permaculture farmer, who sells her farm to buy a motorbike to join him on his 50,000km odyssey. 

They eventually sell their bikes and purchase four horses that become an integral part of their journey where they encounter Zapatista rebels, Amazonian shamans and Mapuche leaders who make them rethink their views on nature and the environment. 

To witness such a beautiful love story unfolding amid breathtaking landscapes will make you want to up sticks too. 
MD
In cinemas June 27.

F1 (12A)
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
★★

FROM the director of Top Gun: Maverick comes a slick and stylish Formula 1 racing drama which aspires to be this year’s Maverick but fails to make pole position. 

Despite an impressive cast led by Brad Pitt, stunning visuals which puts you in the driving seat, and a phenomenal music score by the great Hans Zimmer, this is unbelievably predictable and cliched from beginning to end. 

Pitt stars as a veteran Formula 1 driver who is asked to return to mentor a hotshot rookie younger driver (Damson Idris) by his former teammate and rival (Javier Bardem) in a bid to save the latter’s struggling racing team from ruin. There is also a wooden romance in which Kerry Condon does all the heavy lifting while Pitt cruises through on charm and good looks.  

Unless you love Brad Pitt or Formula 1 this will prove a complete snoozefest. 
MD
In cinemas now.