TWO SANDS 07_Photo by Drew Kendall.jpg

Two Sands

Two Sands is 7 minute short film based on an incredible true story from Kook Manuer. In the film, the lead character Garang (Garang John Deng) struggles on his first day at high school in Australia, triggering memories of being lost in South Sudan. As past and present collide, Garang must find a way to bridge the gap between where he is and where he's come from.

”The Sudan story in Two Sands came from my childhood, my roots. I’m excited to have the vision of what I went through in front of me on screen, so it will make me and other people from Sudan feel truly welcome in Australia. It’s something I survived and learnt from and I want to share with people.” - Kook Manuer

Two Sands premiered at Academy-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival (USA) before screening at 30 international festivals including Durban International Film Festival (South Africa), Aestethica Film Festival (UK) and Show Me Shorts (NZ). The film received critically-acclaim and won the top award for narrative shorts at Port Shorts (AUS) Bronx Social Justice Matters Film Festival (USA) and four WA Screen Culture Awards (AUS).

Cast, Writers, Director and Producer

Garang John Deng Garang

Tyroe Muhafidin Tyroe

John Deng Geu Garang's Father

Nhial Majok Policeman

Dabora Ajoh Chot Garang's Grandma

David Kucha Slow Motion Wrestler 1

John Mamer Ajak Slow Motion Wrestler 2

Georgie Major Garang's Teacher

Atem Dau Narrator

Kook Manuet Writer

Poppy van Oorde-Grainger Writer / Director

David Kucha Producer