Actors on mission to bring South Sudanese in diaspora home
That South Sudan has had a long history of civil wars is not in doubt. If you mention South Sudan to those who flee the country due to unrest, or those who have only interacted with the country in the news, then there is no doubt a remarkable number of them will shudder at the thought of coming to the country.
And it is for this reason that South Sudanese-born actor Alex Joseph Lubajo, aka “Alex Rasta,” and his partner, Cameroonian actor Gabriel Herve Gwet, will have a busy week in Juba beginning Friday, shooting the film “Do Not Fear.”
It is the first-ever film the duo has worked on in South Sudan.
The movie is meant to break the narrative of insecurity, war, and hunger in South Sudan and instead tell the other side of the country’s story that will encourage South Sudanese and non-nationals alike to come to the country.
“Our main objective is to change the negative narratives about South Sudan and tell the world that the country and her people are good and hospitable,” says Alex.
“Through film, I believe we are capable of changing the image of the country, just like the mainstream media. Our country is endowed with natural resources, yes, but it is upon us filmmakers to tell stories that will change the perception out there,” adds Alex.
The journey toward coming up with a creative film that would make South Sudanese diaspora troops back has not been an easy one.
Alex and Gabriel Herve Gwet met during a continental film festival outside of South Sudan. For some reason, they were not comfortable saying where they met. But that is beside the point. According to Gabriel Herve Gwet, following their meeting, the two became friends, and once the festival ended and each went their way, they continued being in touch, exchanging correspondence.
Gwet says he came to South Sudan for the first time in 2020 and spent some time with Alex, and during their stay, they discussed what kind of project they could do; something impactful that could attract viewers both locally and internationally.
When they settled at last on what they could do, Gwet says he realised that the COVID-19 pandemic at the time would not allow the project to continue just yet, thus the long two-year wait.
According to Mr. Gwet, their coming to South Sudan will not be in vain, as he says from his prior interactions with Alex, he and his producer have immense faith in his talent and determination to produce a work worthy of anyone’s time.
“We have sponsored ourselves fully, just to ensure the project is a success. From transport, accommodation, food, etc, that is all from our pockets. This is out of our love for the country, South Sudan, and the anticipated impact of the project we have embarked on, “Gwet told City Review.
