Film Lens
About Baghdad is a documentary filmed in July 2003, shortly after the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime. It is the first documentary made in Iraq following the collapse of the Baath regime. The film features artist Sinan Antoon as he returns to Baghdad after leaving in 1991, and it includes interviews with native Iraqis from diverse backgrounds, presenting their perspectives on life under Saddam Hussein and the subsequent U.S. invasion and occupation.
The documentary aims to provide a platform for Iraqi voices that are often marginalized in mainstream media. It captures a range of opinions, from those who view American soldiers as liberators to those who see them as occupiers. The film's production team includes notable figures such as Adam Shapiro and Rania Masri, and it employs a mix of chaotic street scenes and serene visuals to reflect the complexity of the Iraqi experience during this tumultuous period.
Why Watch
- •Meet Sinan Antoon, a returning native of Baghdad.
- •Find out what Iraqis really think about U.S. occupation.
- •See diverse perspectives from politicians to taxi drivers.
Did You Know
•The documentary was filmed just 3 months after Saddam Hussein's fall in July 2003.
•Sinan Antoon left Iraq in 1991 and returned to Baghdad for this film.
•The film was produced by Quilting Point Productions, formerly InCounter Productions.
•It won the 'Best Documentary' prize at the Big Apple Film Festival in 2004.
Perfect For
Iraqi historyDocumentary filmmakingMiddle Eastern politics