About Baghdad

About Baghdad is a thought-provoking and deeply moving 2004 documentary directed by Sinan Antoon, Adam Shapiro, Bassam Haddad, Maya Mikdashi, and Suzy Salamy. With Antoon himself as the central figure, the film offers an insightful peek into the myriad realities of Iraq, post-2003 American invasion.

Antoon, an exiled Iraqi-American poet and writer, returns to his hometown of Baghdad after a decade of absence. This return forms the crux of the film, turning it into an intimate journey through the wounded landscape of his native city, and amplifying the voices of ordinary Iraqis who exist on the periphery of the grand narratives produced around the war.

The film has been structured as a winding narrative woven around interviews conducted with ordinary Iraqis across varied demographic segments – from taxi drivers, artists, intellectuals, housewives to daily laborers. These interactions are not merely challenging for Antoon as an individual, but also profoundly humanizing. They capture the complexity of the Iraq narrative as told by those who have borne the brunt of years of crippling sanctions, war and the subsequent invasion.

Replete with rich imagery, the film displays a plethora of emotions: nostalgia, anger, confusion and stoic fortitude. Antoon's poetic reflections upon his dilapidated childhood home, his alma mater, historic land marks, shattered infrastructure and changing patterns of life give viewers a unique window into the harsh reality of Iraq and its residents. The film does not shy away from sharing the dichotomous impact of the American invasion - the dual-edged nature of liberation and occupation as perceived by its people.

Integral to the film’s narrative is the exploration of Iraq’s profound history and rich cultural heritage, which plays a dominant role in ordinary Iraqis' shared identity. The filmmakers artfully juxtapat this against the devastating fallout from the invasion, the radical transformation of the societal fabric, and the scars etched upon a metropolis in the throes of reconstruction.

About Baghdad is not intent upon offering tacit solutions to political problems or arguing about the morality of international politics. Rather, it’s an affirmative testament to the resilience of the Iraqi people, their stubborn determination to rebuild their lives, and their creative spirit that's not dampened by the darkest of times.

Sinan Antoon delivers a deeply personal and powerfully nuanced performance, showcasing his skills not just as gifted poet, but also as a striking documentary filmmaker. The raw emotion he brings to his encounters and his thoughtful introspection add layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.

Equally compelling is the film score which oscillates between traditional Iraqi music, weaving a seamless connection between the past and the present, and melancholic tunes that underscore the gravity of the situation in the post-invasion phase. The crisp videography, with its stark visuals of broken buildings and roads, and lingering shots of everyday life, serve as strong reminders of a city grappling with change.

In it's essence, About Baghdad isn't just a film about a city. It’s a holistic tapestry that intertwines personal memories and national history, accommodation and resistance, pain and hope. It’s a remarkable cinematic exploration of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether it's the specter of wars past or the uncertainty of the present, viewers are left to draw their own conclusions about the complex realities, triumphs and tragedies the film presents.

In sum, About Baghdad is a poignant, compelling and deeply humanizing film. This raw and authentic portrayal shares a rare perspective, capturing the emotions and experiences of ordinary Iraqis in their day to day lives. Through this mosaic of personal narratives, the film prompts viewers to question a more profound reality behind news headlines and political discourses, thereby reexamining their understanding of war and its far-reaching implications.