Watch About Baghdad

About Baghdad is a documentary film directed by Sinan Antoon, about a group of foreign journalists who traveled to Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion. The documentary was filmed over a period of ten days, and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004. Through interviews with Iraqis from all walks of life, the filmmakers provide a glimpse into what life was like in Baghdad during and after the invasion. The documentary takes viewers on a tour of the war-torn city, showing footage of the destruction caused by the invasion and the subsequent chaos that ensued.

The film captures the confusion and despair felt by many Iraqis in the aftermath of the war. Along with footage of bombings and gunfire, we see interviews with ordinary people struggling to make sense of the war and the sudden changes in their lives. Some express fear and skepticism towards the American troops, while others remain hopeful that their lives will improve under the new regime.

The film also explores the impact of the war on Iraqi culture and identity. We see poets and writers reflecting on the destruction of libraries and cultural institutions, and the loss of life and heritage. The documentary provides a rare insight into the cultural history of Iraq, and the devastating effects of war on a country's cultural heritage.

One of the most powerful aspects of About Baghdad is the way that it humanizes the people of Iraq. Through intimate interviews and personal stories, we see Iraqis as individuals with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. The film challenges the simplistic narrative of the war presented in mainstream media, and provides a more complex and nuanced understanding of the Iraq conflict.

The filmmakers also explore the role of the media in shaping public perception of the war. We see reporters struggling to get access to information or to reach their viewers, and the way that propaganda from both sides can influence public opinion. Through this lens, About Baghdad challenges viewers to question the information they receive from the media and to seek out alternative perspectives.

Overall, About Baghdad is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on the Iraq War. By focusing on the stories of ordinary Iraqis, the film highlights the true human cost of war and provides a deeper understanding of the complex geopolitical forces at play. While it may be difficult to watch at times, it is an important film that deserves to be seen by anyone who wants to understand the consequences of war for the people who live through it.