Sudan / 2020 / 29mins / Documentary / Arabic and English

A team of passionate Sudanese *Jiu-Jitsu fighters* receives an invitation to compete in a prestigious tournament in Kenya. For them, this is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to prove their skills on an international stage, represent their country, and chase their dreams of becoming champions. However, with limited financial resources, flying to Kenya is not an option. Determined not to let anything stand in their way, they make a bold decision: **they will travel by land, crossing Sudan, Ethiopia, and into Kenya in an old minivan**. What begins as an exciting road trip filled with high hopes and camaraderie quickly turns into a nightmare. The first major blow comes at the Sudanese-Ethiopian border, where one of their teammates is forced to stay behind due to missing documents. Leaving him behind is heartbreaking, but they have no choice—the tournament awaits, and they must press on. As they enter Ethiopia, their journey takes another unexpected turn. A sudden coup erupts in the country, throwing the region into chaos. Roads are blocked, military checkpoints delay their progress, and uncertainty looms over their every move. With time slipping away, they attempt to navigate their way through the turmoil, only to find themselves completely lost, adding another grueling day to their already exhausting trip. What was supposed to be a three-day journey stretches into six. Exhaustion sets in as they endure sleepless nights, roadside meals, and the unrelenting heat. But despite the hardships, their determination never wavers. Kenya is within reach, and so is their dream. Finally, after a grueling six-day odyssey, they arrive in Nairobi on the very day of the tournament. There is no time to rest, no time to recover. With barely any sleep and running on empty stomachs, they step onto the mats against some of the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters in the world. Against all odds, they fight with everything they have, fueled by sheer determination and the hardships they endured on the road. One by one, they defeat their opponents, securing multiple medals, a testament to their resilience, skill, and unbreakable spirit. *Journey To Kenya* is a story of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness. It is a thrilling and emotional journey that highlights the struggles faced by athletes with limited resources, the unpredictability of life on the road, and the unwavering will to succeed despite all odds.

Ibrahim Snoopy

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1992 and currently based in Kenya, Ibrahim Snoopy is a visionary Sudanese cinematographer and filmmaker renowned for his bold storytelling and evocative visuals. With over a decade of experience, he has crafted a diverse body of work spanning feature films, documentaries, music videos, and commercials, collaborating on award-winning productions that have resonated globally. His cinematographic signature blends Sudanese heritage with contemporary narratives, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and social justice while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Among his acclaimed works are Khartoum Offside (Best Documentary, Carthage Film Festival), Sudan, Remember Us, From Argentina to Sudan, Serotonin, and Journey to Kenya. His latest film, Khartoum, was honored with the Berlinale Peace Award (2025), solidifying his impact on global cinema. Driven by an unyielding commitment to authentic storytelling, Snoopy’s work transcends
borders, offering deeply human narratives that challenge perspectives and ignite dialogue. Learn More