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2022 documentary film

The Spider-Man of Sudan
Directed by
  • Phil Cox
  • Rafa Renas
Written byPhil Cox
Produced byGiovanni Stopponi
CinematographyPhil Cox
Edited by
  • Esteban Uyarra
  • Tracy McVeigh
Music byJames Preston
Production
companies
Release date
  • 17 May 2022 (2022-05-17)
Running time
19 minutes
Languages
  • Arabic
  • English

The 'Spider-Man' of Sudan is a 2022 documentary short film directed by Phil Cox and Rafa Renas. The film follows an unidentified Sudanese man who protested while dressed as the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man during the 2021 coup d'état. The name of the man was kept anonymous due to concerns for his safety.[1][2][3]

Synopsis

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External video
video icon The 'Spider-Man' of Sudan, from YouTube

During the October 2021 military coup in Sudan, photos of a protester dressed as Spider-Man went viral on social media. The man explains his reasoning for dressing up as the superhero, saying he wanted to inspire hope in other protesters, and as a way to honour a childhood friend killed by the regime. He also says he took inspiration from a story about the Islamic prophet Mohammad, who was protected by a spiders web to hide him from his pursuers.

The documentary shows him helping members of his community, joining in protests, and discussing with others how to stop the military from overturning the 2018–2019 revolution.

Critical reception

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The 'Spider-Man' of Sudan won the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award in 2022,[4] Hinzpeter Award in 2023,[5] and was one of the finalist of the One World Media Awards in 2023.[6]

See also

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References

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  1. Ahmed, Kaamil (2022-05-17). "The 'Spider-Man' of Sudan: masked activist becomes symbol of resistance". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  2. Gomez, Dessi (2022-05-17). "'Spider-Man of Sudan' Doc: Costumed Protester Becomes Symbol of Resistance Movement (Video)". TheWrap. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  3. "Journalists discuss documenting "Spiderman of Sudan"". www.qatar.northwestern.edu. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  4. "힌츠페터국제보도상, Hinzpeter Awards". 힌츠페터국제보도상, Hinzpeter Awards (in Korean). Retrieved 2026-07-03.
  5. "2023 Winners". One World Media. Retrieved 2026-07-03.