Siran Riak: From the Runway to the Big Screen – A Night of Inspiration at Scenius Hub

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Scenius Hub had the privilege of hosting Siran Riak, one of South Sudan’s most accomplished fashion models and a rising star in film. From walking international runways to making history with Goodbye Julia—the first Sudanese film to premiere at Cannes Film Festival—Siran’s journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of representation.

A glimpse into an Evening with Siran Riak

The Journey into Film

For over 15 years, Siran has built an impressive career in the fashion industry, working as a high fashion model on major runways and in campaigns worldwide. She has won several beauty pageant titles, including Miss Beauties of South Sudan, Miss Earth, Miss Grand South Sudan, and Miss Africa Malaysia. However, despite all her success, acting was never part of her plan—until Goodbye Julia came along.

Siran shared how she was discovered for the lead role through Instagram—a powerful reminder of the impact of digital presence. Director Mohamed Kordofani reached out, and within days, she was auditioning for a role that would define a new chapter in her career. Though she had no previous acting experience, her performance in the film was deeply moving, capturing the struggles of Julia, a woman navigating life’s hardships in Sudan. The film resonated with audiences globally, earning a 10-minute standing ovation at Cannes—the longest in the festival’s history!

“Everything that happened in the film was real for me. I had to fully step into Julia’s life, to feel what she felt, to live as she lived. It wasn’t just acting—it was bringing a real story to life.” – Siran Riak

Breaking Barriers in Fashion & Film

Beyond film, Siran also spoke about the challenges of being a Black model in high fashion. Despite the global success of South Sudanese models, she highlighted the lack of a strong fashion industry back home, stating:

“Right now, South Sudanese models are ruling the fashion world, but we don’t have a strong hub in our own country. We need to change that. We need to build our own platforms, fashion weeks, and brands so that the world comes to us.”

She also addressed misconceptions surrounding Goodbye Julia, as some critics claimed it undermined South Sudanese people. Siran was clear:

“This film does not change history—it tells it. What happened, happened. But what we do now, how we move forward as a nation, is what matters.”

A Moment with Upcoming Models

Before the event officially began, Siran held a brief meeting with upcoming models, sharing insights into the industry and offering advice on how to navigate the world of high fashion. She emphasized the importance of confidence, discipline, and building a strong personal brand.

Main takeaways for the Youth

Her advice for young people in South Sudan who want to break into fashion or film?

Be present on social media – your talent might be discovered online!
Keep learning – invest in understanding your industry.
Have a plan – know why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Be unique – don’t just copy trends; bring your own identity.

With Goodbye Julia putting South Sudanese storytelling on the global map and more models breaking into the fashion industry, Siran believes this is the perfect moment for South Sudanese creatives to step up and claim their space.

“This year, invest in learning and making mistakes. Let next year be the year of launching bigger things.”

Celebrating Siran’s Impact

Siran Riak’s story is one of perseverance, representation, and breaking barriers. Her presence at Scenius Hub was truly inspiring, leaving young creatives with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.