🇸🇩 Sudan's Forgotten Films - Witness 

when I look at these two brothers faces I see the dignity of all of our ancestors, I know they are so sad in heaven seeing how much their grandchildren has destroyed themselves, not able to overcome their situation and not able to forgive one another regardless who is wrong!!! I see so much love in their eyes when they speak, and also I can see that !! they never thought one day the country will be at the lowest point in their understanding on, !! how you build a good future for the unborn children yet!!!! the name Sudan is the highest joy to me more than directions ( south, north, east, or west). may GOD bless them and give them joy in heaven with our ancestors. Amen.

This is heartbreaking. I cried towards the end. I salute the late Benjamin's unwavering dedication to preserve the memories of the country he called home so that future generations of Sudanese can get a glimpse of their homeland's good old days. To learn that he had to suffer much mistreatment and deprivation in his final years, in spite of his passion to contribute to the future generations of Sudan, is just sad, but still he soldiered on, even when he was the last man standing in the archives department, after his old friend Awad was sacked. Truly a great man with a heart of gold. May he rest in peace.

اول مرة في حياتي ابكي بكاء بحرقة شديدة... الله يرحمك عمنا بنجامين.. بقدر وطنيتك وحبك للسودان ويتحقق حلمك ونشوف سودان جديد.. بدايته من جنوبنا الحبيب... والتحية لعمنا عوض... لك الله يا وطني...

يعني لولا الجزيرة الوثائقية ماكان حد فينا سمع بالقصة دي ولا حتى سماعا لك الله يا وطن.. ابكاني الفيلم وحزينة جدا لحلم بنجامين اللذي مات دون ان يرى بصيصا من النور... مؤسف جددا

One of the best witness docs i've seen. As an African and film lover this is beyond saddening, i am angry and disappointed that our governments no longer see art and culture as the custodians of our history. Like they said without our stories we, can never know who we are as a people. I hope and pray that, these archives will one day be given the respect they deserve and that these men will receive their rightful places in the legacy of Sudanese history. Inshallah

I loved this film. It’s a masterpiece that not only tells the story of two wonderful men (Benjamin and Awad) but it also tells the story of an entire nation (Sudan and South Sudan)- depicting its story from its old days of glory including gaining independence from England all the way to its current state of deterioration in all aspects (freedoms, health, economy, and culture)... this same deterioration that Benjamin and Awad had to pay the price for. All beautifully filmed, narrated, and accompanied with beautiful music. Heartbreaking in every way!

والله نحن لا نستحق أن يكون العم بنجامين منا.....والله لم ابكي منذ زمان بعيد ...الارشيف حريقه فيهو إنما يبكيني من يعمل لاجل هذا الوطن....لاحظ لما قال انا ما عملت الكلام ده لنفسي ولا عشان الوزاره لكن عملتو عشان السودان...وبرغم الظلم من نزع جنسيه وتهميش الا ان حبه للوطن ما زال اقوي من كل المحن والظلم الذي عاشه......والله العظيم بنجامين لم يدفن ولكن دفن الوطن يوم دفن بنجامين.....من اجلك بنجامين ابكي بحرقه

Oh my! What a tragedy...so sadden by the death of a man who loved his country, protecting their forgotten treasure...their history in films. So sad. Hope someone will upload it in youtube someday as Sudan’s national heritage.

RIP Benjamin! Sad ending! He was hero , Sudan should proud of him

العبره والعظه لمن يعي ويفهم كلنا سودان شمال جنوب شرق غرب 😢😖😭كلنا نمثل السودان الله يجمع شملنا من جديد لنكن يد على يد من حديد😤

Really hope these gems get beautifully archived and digitized as well... What a documentary!

شيء محزن أن نصل لهذا المستوى القبيح من عدم الإهتمام بمقدرات وتراث وطن كان عظيماً كالسودان .. أتمنى أن نرى حلم بنجامين يتحقق يوماً ما .. المؤسف أن تحقيق حلم بنجامين لا يحتاج للكثير من المال وإنما يحتاج لإرادة ورؤيه ثاقبة وإدارة جيدة .. تباً لنا إن لم نستطع أن نحافظ على هذا التراث ..

A sad story from Sudan that symbolizes many around the world, a story of dedicated beautiful souls...

A documentary that is full of meaning, touching and makes every man cry. I am a strong believer in hope. And we need to spread optimism around to help save culture and the Sudan for everyone. So that we can see more inspiring documentary of the development in Sudan rather than the sad part. Plus, these people deserve a noble price for their loyal and dedicated important work.

this was beautifully made very touching

دي جريمة فعلا، وبتعبر جد عن الحال المأساوي البتمر به السودان في كافة النواحي، 30 سنة خراب

Thank you benjamin for the beautiful work you've done may your soul rest in peace ...this was very sad to watch😢

A country undermines its future when it doesn't value it's cultural heritage and/or institutions. RIP Benjamin. The world is a much better place with people like you and Awad in it.

As much as I was fascinated by the great work and effort of my cousin Suhaib on directing this movie yet the montage of this true story reflected deep inside me with grief and anger clashing inside me...each trying to be dominant over the other to raise my awareness, me the child of the 90's of the great history and status Sudan had and the great few people from that era like Benjamin who's dedication and patriotism grew the sense of belonging in me more as he was narrating the story...a great job translating the message and goal of the movie to reach anyone watching the movie get a sense of awareness, belonging and history... the movie sure did awakened my lost patriotic conscience..Great movie!

والله ي جماعه الفيلم يبكيك غصبآ عنك الدوله ليه بتهمل حاجه زي دي ده تاريخ بلدنا العظيم رحمك الله ي بنجامين 😭😭😭

I saw the documentary several times and each time it brought tears to my eyes. The two very Great people of a country they love so much!! I salute both of them!!!

An amazing film. It's shameful how neglected both the film archive and the archivists have been. As one remarks, soon the films will be lost to history and, with them, the Sudanese will lose so much of their history. Shocking that this is allowed to happen.

the saddest thing that ever happened to Africa is the division of Sudan, family problems can always be solved, but when two brothers refuse to learn from the past and move forward to the future even more stronger with out making mistakes again you totally destroy the history of the family!!! what a great lost.

This is very important for the culture and heritage of Sudan. Why the government doesn’t understand this ? This is for the future and culture of the people of Sudan. Who can support and save this ? Can’t the channel create donations for this people to support them ? Can’t Sudanese who living abroad to create an awareness for this project ?

Oh my 🥺 how sad , Benjamin you have done such an incredible job where ever you are know that you have touched the hearts of many and I am one of them. I’ll be sharing this story with my friends and anyone who will be interested in heritage of Sudan and it’s films productions . May your soul be at peace. There’s a reason today I have watched that video is for your voice and story to be heard by many others. Thank you Benjamin ❤️

شئ محزن ومخيف ان يكون هذه الارشيف بهذه الحالة وهو يمثل الرصيد القومي من الثقافة السودانية ورصيد لامثيل لهذه ، هذه الافلام يجب ان يتم حفظها في وسائط اخري تساعد علي الحفاظ عليها ، وهي تعتبرجزء من محتويات دار الوثائق السوداينة ، شئ محزن ان تكون الثروة الغالية دون اهتمام من الدولة ، من قبل تحدث مع مسوؤل في وزارة الثقافة والاعلام وطلبت من ان يتم تحويل هذه الافلام فيديوهات اوسيدات وبيعها للشعب لنشر الوعي بين الناس عن ماذا يمتلك السودان من رصيد من الافلام لا مثيل لها وشئ محزن جداان يتتلف بعضها دون الاهتمام من الدولة .

If you don’t know your past then you’re not a nation. So true mashallah ala your beautiful wisdom and thank you Benjamin and Awad for your dedication

Houses, roads and infrastructure can all be rebuilt. But what becomes of us when our own historical memory is erased? I'm so ashamed of myself for not knowing about you both before this documentary. Rest in power and peace, Benjamin Chowkwan Ado and Awad Eldaw

بالجد مؤثر وهو انسان طيب جدا 😢 للاسف ماعرفنا عنوا قبل يتوفى ! اكتر شي مؤثر لمن قال انا لو غادرت الارشيف ماف زول حيهتم بيه الارشيف حيضيع ! نحن اجيال التمانينات اشد حوجة لارشيف بلدنا وتاريخه وين قنواتنا الرسمية منه!!؟؟ مفروض زول مهتم وغيور على بلده يهتم اكثر بارشيف البلد ويكافىء بنجامين واسرته والضو

Rip Benjamin 😢😢 , this made me cry a lot .. A lot .. I don't know why the government doesn't want to care about such a priceless people like Benjamin and Awad who spend their whole life to care about the films of our history . I really don't know why .. I tried to think as bad as possible , but I couldn't find any reason that makes a government to neglect a history of a country .. Shame .. Shaaaaame 😢😢

أسى .. أشد الأسى. ده تاريخ يا عالم.. كنز. ده لما الناس تشوف التاريخ ده حتعرف معنى الإنسانية و يعني شنو تكون سوداني. الله يرحمك يا بنيامين ويغفر ليك..

ما شاء الله..ابكاني الفيلم الرائع المؤثر ، عمل قمة في المحتوى والمضمون الوطني والرسالة الانسانية ......عمل رسالي با متياز ..بمثل هذا الضرب من المقاومة والرفض الواعي تنمو بذور الامل وتستنهض بواعث اليقظة لنحلم بغد جديد في بلادنا التي نكبت بأمثال الاوباش الاشباح والنفايات البشرية من الذين يمسكون بدفة الحكم وصناعة القرار فيها ..مبروك للابن المبدع صهيب الذي لامس احساسه بوطنه ذرى العشق الصوفي والايمان الصميم ...وولدت موهبته الفذة بأسنان كالنصال تمزق الزيف والهوان وانحطاط السياسة ونزق اللصوص والفاشلين واساطين الفساد... فجسد بعمله الرائع أرقى تجليات تحالف الذائقة الفنية الرفيعة والرفض المقاوم المستنير ....مبروك للابن النجيب و للبطن التي شالت والاب الذي ربى....

I'm in tears writing this especially being a proud collo, we honour you baba Benjamin. Continue to rest in eternal peace, and I pray your work has been recognised since your passing and your children benefit from your historical work xxx forever in our hearts 💕

Absolutely stunning work.

Thanks for the documentary it's interesting and meaning full.

Great insightful video!

الله يرحمك بواسع رحمته وبقدر نيتك الطيبه حبيبنا بنجامين ونتمني لابونا عوض الصحه والعافيه اكثر فليم وثائقي محزن ومبكي

What a powerful movie ! A touching tribute to the two unsung heroes. There are so many such selfless giants about whom we do not know anything about. It also chronicles a tale of human tragedy (Watched it tonight on Al Jazeera- English - in India).

The film touched my heart, Brilliant work

Africa I cry for you. We have the most cursed leaders and government of all time. So sad.

لك الله يا سودان 😢

والله كلام تقشعر منه الابدان مثل هذا التاريخ الذي يندثر ويجهل ولا احد يقوم برعايته. واااا اسفاء وااا وجعتا علي السودان وتارخه العظيم راحه وضاع لم يعد ولم يطبق ويوثق ف افلام ويسائقيه . كثير من السودانين الآن لا يعرفون تاريخهم ولا حتي يبحثون عنه . لو لا قناة الجزيرة لما عرفناه هذا شئ يوجع الضمير ويتعب النفس . حسبنا الله ونعم والوكيل

كل التقدير والله لبنجامين شكوان .. انا افعل م افعله لاجل السودانيين 😭😭

ربنا يرحمك يا عمو بنجامين. 😭😭💔 صحي والله البلد انتهت حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل

What a beautiful, wonderful movie. I was moved to tears.

So many thoughts clashing inside me. The first is the tragedy of the nation and country of Sudan. A giant of a country ripped of it's past and torn apart by selfish and corrupt regime. Second the true harmony and love between the sons of the Sudan; north and South. Benjamin and Awad represent the true sentiment of the ONENNESS of Sudan. The once was the largest country in Africa was separated by the corrupt leaders of north and South Sudan. Second; the phenomenal dedication of these two gentlemen and their love and belief of preserving the documented history of their country. That commitment which was repaid by total disregard and disgusting disrespect. These two individuals deserve to have their names written in gold in our collective psyche. Third the peak of tragedy when Benjamin was killed in a tragic accident and left to die. I mourn him and I mourn ourselves. Finally; I salute Al Jazeera. If it was only for this one film; this channel deserves an award. It's so ironic that the 4 countries boycotting Qatar demands the closure of Al Jazeera. This is proof of how wrong and stupid these countries are. We need AJ and we thank all those involved in it. I hope that Sheikha Moza of Qatar steps in and saves our archives to honour Benjamin. His legacy shall live forever

احسن فلم شوفتو دا أفضل من ستموت في عشرين

like ben said: "Our country is over" i sadly agree, may his soul rest in peace

You've done a great job for" Sudan "in general...highly appreciate that

My utmost respect to these heroes, I watched this documentary a few days ago for the first time, and I cried because of the loss of Benjamin to death, his dream of being taken care of alongside his archives was unfulfilled. I would like to connect with his children, and would appreciate if I can get their contact. I would like to thank them in my own way for the services rendered by their hero father who died in the line of duty.

Beautiful film well done. Heart breaking though😢

So dedicated..

بينجامين ...حيجي يوم و يتحقق حلمك بإذن الله

A man who gave so much of his life to his country, can’t even get surgery done because the orthopedist are on strike. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see the archival footage of a country that’s left to rot.

والله شي محزن تبآ لكم ايها الكيزان دمرتم الماضي والمستقبل ☹

Loved it.. loved it.. loved it.. and cried my heart out. I think a collective action is needed more than ever to preserve this national treasure and to honor Benjamin and Awad's efforts and dedication. Beautifully made

شيء محزن للغاية.. هذا الوضع يجب أن يصحح مثله من الأوضاع الكثيرة المايلة التي سترثها الحكومة المدنية المقبلة من العهد البائد.. يجب الاهتمام بهذا الأرشيف وبتحويله وحفظه رقميا.. كما يجب الاهتمام بأسر من أنفقوا زهرة شبابهم في الحفاظ عليه.. أسرة الأستاذ بنجامين، السوداني الأصيل، والأستاذ عوض أطال الله في عمره.. شكرا قناة الجزيرة على القاء الضوء بهذا العمل التوثيقي المتميز..

Let's start GoFundme campaign to help our future generation. This is so heart breaking. Thank you Aljazeera for shedding light on this.

we love you Benjamin we still belong to one state Iam. leena from north sudan

بنجامين اخر نسمة حلوه طلعت وبعدها توقف جسد هذا الوطن التعيس عن التنفس بعد ان تكالبت عليه الأمراض..

والله حاجة مؤسفة شديد ما نعرف عن رجل بقامة الوطن الا بعد وفاته رجب حب يوثق للاجيال تاريخهم العظيم وفي المقبال من يود محو هذا التاريخ بحقد شديد والله انه لمحزن ومؤسف اذا لم نحقق ما كنت تريد القيام به

amazing film of an amazing country where I lived for some years

very sad story......Allah help Sudan

this is a well crafted and touching film... and what a country in constant declining!!

ما شاء الله لولا الله ثم زول كافيه ما كنت حاعرف الفلم ده والله يا بنجامين شكوان

فيلم وثائقي تدمع له القلوب وربنا يحفظ العم عوض

غلب علينا البكاء ،، رحمك الله يابنيامين،،،

Got to post this comment after watching the film on TV. My tears ran dry. 😭

a tale of two men .... cry the beloved country

I was here, just watch this documentary to day on Al Jazeera then decided to come to U tube and drop a comment; Benjamin you are a hero

i shed tears , rest in peace benjamin

شيئ مؤسف جدا تلف مثل هذه الافلام التاريخية وكانت اكبر مكتبة سنيمائية في افريقيا والان اصبحت مزبله افريقيا بسبب اهمال مسئولين غير اكفاء يديرون دوله وشعب لا حول والا قوة الا بالله حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل ...

Very sad ending... Benjamin is my HERO!

والله العظيم حزنت حزن شديد علي حال وطني اليوم

Can I volunteer to protect it? ❤️💔

كيف سيقابلون الله بكل هذا الظلم

اللهم ارحم عبدك بنجامين ووسع مرقده يارب وربنا يمتع العم عوض بالصحه والعافيه وطول العمر

Cry my beloved country

Thank you Benjamin you did a great job... RIP

Je t'aime Soudan 🇸🇩💞🇸🇸

This is a freakin tragedy!! history, culture and the soul of the nation are forever lost, while they talk about patriotism dancing on زنق RIP Benjamin.. RIP my beloved Sudan

انا في صدق في سودان .انشاءالله الله يحفطهم

Poor Benjamin! Africa's curse compromised him at the end. From poor medical facilities that could've saved his probable medium injuries to been caught in the middle of African territorial disputes over one group mistreating the other. All he wanted to be given a proper livelihood from his employers who he was very loyal to. Instead they ostracized him because he was a native of South Sudan. One wonders, who's treasure was he trying to save ? The man was trying to preserve someone's national history, someone who didn't care. This is absolutely the ills of Africa. Someone like Benjamin would've been given citizenship in the West if they seen his work ethics but in an African country they chase away the good ones and that's why Africa is all about diseases, mismanagement and instability.

Oh dear lord have mercy on our people , Its just so heart touching that it leaves me speechless , how can we be so cruel to such people and such a history , how is it possible that our politicians sleeps their nights and walk their days not worried about the crimes that they keep committing on our present and past . Will we ever be able to come back ?

Broke my heart

It's hard and sad to cram whether good or bad reflecting how tragic if not miserable viewpoint concerning documentation! Both Benjamin and Awad will remain the main character as well as heroes of Sudan Film's Docmentory. That said, hopefully we will get recovered from all that nonsense, selfishness, and mindset working towards Sudan interests. Thank you Aljazeera Documentary.

RIP benjamin

so sad our country is over

Heart wrenching story of a lonley warrior Benjamin Chowkwan Ado 👑 Hope one day all your dreams come true. Immense respect for you!

قمه الحزن انو شخصيه عظيمه زيو مانعرف عنها إلا بعد مامات💔💔💔💔💔💔

Master peace, you would know how much it touches me. I cried however for what I don't know, are my tears has fallen for sad ending, an ultimate sincerity or for a deterioration of home country. Nevertheless, I cried for all may you rest in peace RIP Benjamin.😭😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭

Heartbreaking

مبكي لدرجة النواح

تخيل تسول للدول الاجنبيه للمحافظه علي تاريخ

this made me cry like a baby..thinking of how mant Bengamines died broken hearted in Sudan because of this dictator regime

almost one year passed now ....rest in peace

Great old films.

وحيات الله انا المغسة كاتلنى😞😞... حسبنا الله ونعمة والوكيل

great story but the ending was very sad

So sad, poor Ben. All that film going to disappear.