Coury Deeb is the founder and Director of Nadus. The company was born out of the passion and dedication he found when he took his first trip to Southern Sudan. A photographer by trade, Deeb found he had gifts and talents to offer to help communicate the story and needs of the Sudanese friends he met there. Deeb will tell you he thinks of himself just as someone who “is in a network of servants who desire to see change, healing, and re-bulding in the war-torn areas of Southern Sudan.”
Plywood People: Coury, will you share with us a little bit about your inspiration to create the film The New Sudan?
Coury Deeb: The inspiration to create The New Sudan began in 2005 when I first learned about the needs in Sudan, specifically Southern Sudan. My wife and I were living in Philly at the time and apart of a great church community called Liberti. A man by the name of Celestin Musekura came and spoke about the needs and what him and his organization were doing to combat them. At that time in my life, I was a full time photographer and fairly successful. Most the things I was involved in were pretty self centered. I was bogged down by renovating an old row home and didn’t have much time for anything else. So, I realized, I have a gift, why not use it on something other than myself. A few months later I was on the ground in Southern Sudan photographing and filming the lives of the Sudanese. My work there amplified their voice, allowing others to learn of their needs. I partnered with the Sudanese people and found my love and service to them to grow. From there, I scripted the film The New Sudan and have seen it completed and produce fruit. Fruit that impacts the lives of the Sudanese. Something I’m proud of and grateful to be apart of!
Plywood People: Your project is about more than a documentary. What other projects are apart of in Sudan?
Coury: Film is the most powerful tool in raising awareness. We use film to raise awareness and financial support for the work we do here and in Southern Sudan. Nadus Films is passionate about providing clean water, education, medical and church development. Churches and organization who cater to those areas are prime candidates for a partnership with Nadus Films. Nadus Films does nothing in Sudan without the direct relationship with partners. The money we raise is then funneled into projects there on the ground via our partnerships. We’re the advocacy tool, we’re the people who let the needs be known. Why? Because there not capable of letting people know effectively. We are. What we’re not capable of doing is doing the work there in a sustainable manner. So, we partner, and we empower and equip the Sudanese holistically so that they can rebuild their own country with our help. We’re passionate about this model!
Plywood People: What was your favorite part about filming The New Sudan?
Coury: My favorite part about filming The New Sudan was the adventure and grittiness of filming on location in Sudan. Though, at times this was definitely the most difficult feat. I’m a man that loves a good challenge and adventure, so, things such as mines exploding near us, confrontations with the military, almost missing our flight and swimming naked in Lake Victoria to make that flight and eating strange foods are all things I enjoy and make me stronger.
Plywood People: How does what you saw in Sudan make you more hopeful for the future?
Coury: I see a resilience in the people that I’ve never seen anywhere else. I was blown away when I flew into a remote area of the bush and found a people who still worshipped, worked and educated their children. I’d still be looking toward the sky waiting for the next bomb to drop, but these people are determined to rebuild their country and fight for a New Sudan. I have hope that our partners there are committed and are a safe investment in the projects Nadus Films is affiliated with.
Plywood People: How can others be involved in what you’re doing to help Sudan?
Coury: We need to get the film The New Sudan into as many churches, schools and organizations as we can. We need to raise as much awareness and money as we can. We’re a grass roots organizations that will fail unless we have people (like you) help spread the vision and mission of Nadus Films. Of course, we’re in need of donations and won’t be able to continue to serve the people of Southern Sudan without them. So, to sum it up: Help Nadus Films book screenings of The New Sudan and help us raise money. We’re grading the success of the film on how many lives are impacted in Southern Sudan. I refuse to look like a fool, this project is and will continue to be a success not only to those working here stateside, but to our brothers and sisters on the ground in Southern Sudan. They’ve let their need be known and are waiting on a response.
