PODCAST| Matt Micucci interviews Hajooj Kuka, director of the film The Roundup (aKasha).
Director Hajooj Kuka premiered his film The Roundup (aKasha) at the 75th Venice Film Festival in the International Critics Week. A fascinating story seldom seen on international cinema screens, Kuka mentions that his film depicts a scene not known in the big cities of his country. In this interview, he also talks about some of the behind the scenes stories of the making of the movie, and the ways in which he handled the changes that were imposed by some of his and his team’s misadventures.
The Roundup (aKasha): Adnan is a Sudanese revolutionary who is considered a war hero. His love for his AK47 rifle is equalled only by his feelings for Lina, his long-suffering sweetheart. When Adnan is late to return to his military unit after his leave, army commander Blues launches a kasha: the rounding up and arresting of truant soldiers. Adnan is caught-off guard and makes a run for it with his friend Absi. The two unlikely friends plot ways to reunite Adnan with his gun – and with Lina – while avoiding their fellow soldiers. Through a series of wry and humorous incidents over 24 hours, we explore life and ideology in rebel-held areas of Sudan.