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Deep Dive: Back to Babylon (2002)

Film Lens

Back to Babylon
Back to Babylon is a documentary directed by Abbas Fahdel, focusing on his return to his hometown of Babylon after years of exile. The film captures his reflections on the lives of his friends and the impact of historical events on their existence. Through personal inquiries and encounters, Fahdel reveals the current situation in Iraq, shaped by the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, the Iran-Iraq war, the Gulf War, and the UN embargo. The film runs for 52 minutes and presents a personal narrative intertwined with broader socio-political commentary. Fahdel's camera serves as a tool to document the changes in his community and the scars left by decades of conflict, providing a moving look at the human cost of war and oppression in Iraq.

Why Watch

  • Meet Abbas Fahdel in his hometown of Babylon.
  • Find out how war shaped the lives of Fahdel's friends.
  • See the impact of the UN embargo on Iraq.

Did You Know

The film is directed by Iraqi-French filmmaker Abbas Fahdel.
Back to Babylon was released in 2002, 52 minutes long.
The film addresses the effects of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship on Iraqi society.

Perfect For

Iraqi historyDocumentary enthusiastsMiddle Eastern culture