Hajooj Kuka

Biography

Hajooj Kuka is a Sudanese filmmaker, activist, and war correspondent known for his compelling storytelling that highlights the resilience of communities in conflict zones. Born in Sudan, he pursued Electrical Engineering at the American University of Beirut and later studied Digital Design at San Jose State University. His acclaimed documentary Beats of the Antonov (2014) explores how music helps communities in Sudan's Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains cope with war, earning the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. In 2018, he released his first narrative feature, aKasha, a satirical take on love and war, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Kuka co-founded the Refugee Club, an artist collective reflecting on migration and identity, and serves as the creative director of 3ayin.com, a platform for short documentaries from Sudanese conflict zones. His activism includes membership in Girifna, a non-violent resistance movement in Sudan. In 2020, he was arrested during a theater rehearsal, prompting international calls for his release. Recognized for his contributions, he was named one of Foreign Policy's Leading Global Thinkers in 2014 and became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2020.

Filmography