Liela Ibrahim, MA Documentary Film Graduate wins the ‘Best Short Film Documentary Award’ at Cannes Pan African Film Festival for her film ‘The Tear Gas Hunter’
Liela Ibrahim has worked as a broadcast journalist since 2011, working for BBC radio. Her first short film “4.5 meters” was about the Sudanese cultural dress and its impact on the Sudan upraising. It was selected by nine international festivals and won the monthly award and the annual award in Vancouver, Canada, and was nominated at the Golden Gate International Film Festival. Her last film ‘The Tear Gas Hunters’ won more than one Honourable Mention at Milan Gold Awards, Florence Festival 2022, and was officially selected at London Movie Awards 2022.
For over 30 years Sudan was ruled by an extremist regime, but on the 19th of December 2018, mass protests took to the streets of Khartoum. Sudanese women were the instigators of the revolution that toppled Al-Bashir’s rule and were the main element in the peaceful demonstrations, hoping to change the painful reality that prevailed during the rule of the national party. The Tear Gas Hunter dives into the women’s stories, their part in the revolution, and how it changed their life – from being ‘girls with simple dreams’ to leading a movement.
We caught up with Liela to discuss her motivations behind the Tear Gas Hunters, her journey into filmmaking, and her time at LCC.
Can you tell us a bit about your project and how you came up with the idea for The Tear Gas Hunters?
The intuitive perception of the film came to me when some Sudanese activist women resisted the regime in Sudan. They have been at the frontline of the revolution which led to Al-Bashir being overthrown by the military on April 11 after three decades of iron-fisted rule. They played an important role by continuing to be on the streets leading the demonstrations. What interested me in this subject was that I knew these extraordinary women and I wanted to tell their stories. I believe it will be wrong to choose a story that I don’t have some personal connection with. Some of these women were journalist colleagues from previous organizations, and others were activists who I was in contact with during the revolution.
Why do you think it’s an important watch? What are the key themes?
It is important to watch because the world needs to know about these brave women. The main goal of the story is to tell the audience how much these women are fighting for their freedom and justice. We can see now what’s going on in Iran – women in the Middle East have been fighting for a long time and there are only a few stages available for their story. It’s like hidden under the world. I just wanted to give them a voice and wanted the world to hear their story.
Can you talk a bit more about the successes of your film?
The film was very successful in the international festival circuit. I was overwhelmed by the number of festivals which screened the film and I think the success comes not because of the beautiful photography but because it was filmed during challenging times – with a coup in Sudan and some of the images being filmed discreetly, let alone the pandemic on top of all that. It was a difficult time not for me but for all my colleagues. Success comes within the stories of the women and I was proud to see how these women were seeking justice and freedom.
How did you become to be a filmmaker?
Originally, I was a journalist, working in the Middle East. I used to run the African section of Al Fujairah in the Emirates and then I worked at BBC Radio. I remember when doing a reportage, I always did it like a mini-documentary and one of my colleagues encouraged me to focus on documentaries. I wanted to become a film director since I was a child, but I didn’t get the chance to academically pursue that dream. I genuinely believe people should pursue their dreams. Whenever I was at the studio and I saw others presenting their programs with the camera on their faces, I felt like I was the only person who didn’t want to be in front of the camera. I just loved to be behind the camera – when nobody knows you are there, you are constantly creating, looking through the lenses at this magnificent life, you could go deep into the story and try your best to show what you see, to the audience.
Can you tell us a film that impacted you the most and why?
‘Joanna Lumley’s Jewel in the Nile, it’s a socio-cultural documentary and when I watched it I felt like I was traveling with her. She made me feel like I was sitting near her. I felt all the adventure as if I was there and traveled those five countries with her. I could smell the moss and the mud on the bank.
Why did you choose to pursue the MA Documentary Film course at LCC?
It started by applying for BAFTA scholarships. BAFTA asked me about the universities I was interested in. Searching for universities, the University of the Arts London was one of the top-ranked ones which caught my attention. Then I saw the testimonies of graduates from the university. What encouraged me to apply most was the diversity at UAL and within the course. For a woman in their 40s, coming back to education after a career in media for over 15 years, was very hard in itself. I thought everybody was going to be in their early 20s. What encouraged me most was my interview with Jeremy, the course leader. He was fantastic and encouraging and I felt like I was going to be looked after as a person.
What did you take from your experience at LCC?
Coming back to academic life after 15 years isn’t easy. English is my third language and me being dyslexic, I found a support system in my young colleagues. It was my best decision to join this course. Even during the pandemic, the lecturers were supportive throughout and went beyond their capacity to make sure the course was delivered in the best way. I also needed to come out of my comfort zone and do something different in life and work towards my dream of being a film director. It’s never too late to go after your dreams. Your age doesn’t matter or where you come from. You can conquer. The campus in itself is very welcoming, the way you can just walk around and experience art, have a coffee, or have a debate, it’s very intellectual but in an easy way. Nobody makes you feel that they’re better than you. I have beautiful memories in LCC.
Do you have any tips for current or graduating students?
Try to socialize a lot with each other, don’t just come to the campus and do your work and leave. Try to spend a few hours with each other, try to support the ones who are from abroad, remember they can be homesick, help each other, and don’t give up on your dreams.
Describe your film using 3 words.
Bravery, Freedom, Justice.
You can watch the trailer of ‘The Tear Gas Hunter’ HERE