BAGHDAD ON/OFF
Frankreich 2002 – Director: Saad Salman – Original language: arabisch – Subtitles: English – Length: 86 min.
After having to flee the Iraqi regime for political reasons, filmmaker Saad Salman has been living in Paris for over 25 years. When he receives word that his mother is seriously ill, he decides to return to Baghdad to visit her. With the help of a guide, he crosses the border to Iraq, but then the trouble begins. While his guide promises over and over to get Salman into Baghdad, which is controlled by the Iraqi army the next day, the filmmaker drives around endlessly in the Kurdish, UN-protected part of Iraq. Trying to find safe access to the capital, he uses a hidden camera to film in Kurdish refugee camps and record testimonies of victims of Saddam Hussein.
Baghdad on/off is an extraordinary road movie which does not show only misery. There is room for laughter, songs and parties: the Iraqis haven't lost their sense of humour. Still, the threat of violence and oppression is ever present. "It is normal to be afraid - you're in Iraq!"
Writer: Saad Salman. Camera: Hawri Aziz, Khali Loka, Saad Salman. Sound: Fikri Babaker. Editing: Vincent L'Hostis, Saad Salman. Music: n/a. Production: Vents du Sud productions. Producer: Saad Salman. International Sales: Vents du Sud productions
