Siran’s rise to prominence is nothing short of extraordinary. This September, she graces the cover of Zenith magazine, sharing her journey from modeling to acting and how she’s using her platform to inspire others. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to her roots.
Stepping into the Spotlight with Goodbye Julia
When Siran landed her role in Goodbye Julia, she was stepping into uncharted territory. Acting wasn’t something she had planned on, but the opportunity to represent South Sudan on the big screen was too significant to pass up. “It was a rare opportunity,” she reflects. “I never saw myself becoming an actress at that time, but it was a huge chance to shine a light on my people and my country.”
The film tackles heavy themes like identity and forgiveness, which made her connection to her character, Julia, deeply personal yet challenging. “There’s a big difference between Julia and me,” Siran admits. “She made decisions as a mother that I wouldn’t have, simply because I don’t fully understand what it means to be a mother. But I understood why she had to forgive and move on—you can’t carry that weight forever.”
One scene in particular struck a chord with her. In it, Julia’s sister-in-law’s home is burned down, and she’s taken to prison. For Siran, this was more than just a scene—it was a stark reminder of her own past. “Back in Sudan, I remember seeing homes like that, where the police would come and sometimes burn them down, leaving people with nothing. It made the role incredibly personal for me.”
Filming Goodbye Julia wasn’t without its challenges. The cast and crew had to navigate real-life riots and unrest happening just outside their set. “We had to work as a team, be mindful of what was happening around us, and make every moment count. We didn’t waste sunlight because we knew how precious our time was.”
What does Siran hope audiences take away from the film? “I want people to know the history of Sudan and South Sudan. To know that we exist,” she says simply, yet powerfully.
As for the future of Sudanese cinema, Siran is hopeful. “The future is bright. Directors like Mohamed Kordfani and producers like Amjed Abu Alala have opened doors. There’s so much talent in Sudan, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Balancing her dual careers in modeling and acting has given Siran a unique perspective on self-expression. “In acting, I express emotions through my characters. In modeling, it’s through the designer’s vision. Both let me connect with what I believe is my purpose.”
A Mentor for Aspiring Models
Siran’s latest venture takes her into the world of publishing, where she’s using her experience to guide the next generation of models. The idea for her book came during her Goodbye Julia tour when young women constantly asked her for advice on breaking into the industry. “I didn’t realize how many young girls wanted to follow in my footsteps until then. I was excited to share what I’ve learned over the past 15 years.”
Her book, How to Be a Fashion Model, is a straightforward guide designed to help aspiring models navigate the often-tough fashion industry. “It’s not as glamorous as it looks,” Siran warns. “Rejection is something you have to face daily, and making money in this business is a decision you have to make and work hard for.”
While the book offers practical advice, Siran also emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself in an industry that often pressures people to fit a certain mold. “It’s tough to hold onto your identity, but for me, my faith helped keep me grounded. It’s about self-discipline and always remembering where you came from.”
What’s Next for Siran?
Looking ahead, Siran is focusing on growth—both for herself and for those she’s mentoring. “The rest of 2024 is about self-growth and coaching the next generation of models to dominate in 2025. I’m not doing this alone; I’m building a team.”
From her groundbreaking role in Goodbye Julia to her commitment to nurturing new talent, Siran’s journey is a testament to her drive and passion.
