Eiman Yousif (), is a Sudanese actor, singer, songwriter, and human rights activist. She became known for playing the character Mona in the award-winning 2023 drama film Goodbye Julia, directed by Mohamed Kordofani.
Early life and education Born on 17 December 1992 in Khartoum, Eiman Yousif earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the School of Management Studies at the University of Khartoum.
During her time as a student, Eiman was a member of the faculty choir.
Career It was on social media that Mohamed Kordofani first encountered Eiman, in a viral live video in which she was singing in one of her private concerts at Someet Gallery in Khartoum. Although she was not a professional actor, he later cast her in the drama film Goodbye Julia where she played the co-lead character, Mona. She also recorded one of the movie's main soundtracks, Tell me how? (), which also features Sudanese rapper, Nile.
As a singer and composer, she released her single "Where is The Dream" expressing her sentiments about the deteriorating political situation in Sudan following the revolution. She was also one of the leading voices in the 2024 musical collaboration "We Stay Well Together" 2024 musical collaboration, advocating for peaceful coexistence in Sudan. Drawing attention to violations of children's rights during the ongoing war in her homeland, she participated in Unite with the Children of Sudan Conference organized by Save the Children, USAID, and UNICEF in Nairobi, where she contributed with her song "Inta Altreeg" ("You're the Path").
Other activities She was part of the Bait Al Oud Orchestra, which performed in Sudan and internationally.
Eiman found herself in the public sphere when a photo of her participating in a demonstration went viral, becoming an iconic image of the 2018 Sudanese revolution. She has become an activist for human rights, HIV/AIDS, violence against women and children, and peace.
She sat on a jury panel of the Aswan International Women's Film Festival in April 2024.
Personal life Following the outbreak of war in Sudan, which began in Khartoum, Eiman was forced to leave her home after the filming of Goodbye Julia. Along with two sisters and their children, she travelled through Dongola and Wadi Halfa to Cairo, Egypt. She was unable to attend international screenings of Goodbye Julia, as she may not be able to return to Egypt if she left, and she could not return to Sudan. Her family home in Khartoum was robbed by the Rapid Support Forces after their departure.
Recognition and awards Goodbye Julia scooped Sudan's first-ever international nomination at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, winning the Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award).
In 2024 Yousif won an award at the Arab Radio and TV Festival Tunisia.. She also received Special Mentions at the IFF Art Film in Košice, Slovakia, and the Rotterdam Arab Film Festival.
Eiman was featured as a participant in the 2026 Berlinale Talents participants at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, selected as one of 200, out of 3,438 applications from 120 countries.
+AwardsAwardYearCategoryMovieResultDakhla Film Festival2024Best Female PerformanceGoodbye JuliaCritics Awards for Arab Films2024Best ActressGoodbye JuliaMuslim International Film Festival2023Best ActorGoodbye JuliaCyprus International Film Festival2023Best Leading Actress in a First Feature FilmGoodbye Julia
References
External links
Goodbye Julia – Photocall at Cannes 2023 Interview in Arabic for Asharq Al-Awsat on how the war in Sudan stole the joy from the success of Goodbye Julia Gol Ley Kef (Tell me how), a soundtrack for Goodbye Julia (Tell me how) performed by Eiman Yousif & Niile on YouTube