Short Film Screenings and Panel Discussion - Voices from Iraq
Monday 13 April, 16:00-17:00, Panora CinemaThe program is grounded in the vision of the Iraqi Independent Film Center to empower young people and provide them with a platform to discover themselves and create a new Iraqi cinema shaped by emerging voices.
Since its establishment in 2010, the center has nurtured dozens of talents who have gone on to play active roles in the Iraqi and Arab film scenes, with works featured in international festivals.
The program focuses on the relationship between individuals and war, and its profound impact on both the psyche and society. It aims to document the experiences of different generations in Iraq and the region, transforming them into contemporary and impactful cinematic works.
This year, MAFF Industry Days is proud to present three short films by three talented directors, representing the voice of Iraqi youth in 2025. The films explore deeply human themes, focusing on the relationship between people, animals, and nature within the context of war and ongoing transformation.
My Beautiful Baghdad
About the film
On the eve of the 2003 American invasion, three young friends gather by the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad. As distant war approaches, they share fleeting dreams and quiet fears, holding onto the last moments of a life about to change forever.
Director: Ali Jbara Al-Daraji
Ali Jbara Al-Daraji is an Iraqi-Canadian filmmaker and producer working between Toronto and the MENA region. His work explores themes of memory, war, and identity through intimate human stories. He is the director of the short film My Beautiful Baghdad, set on the eve of the 2003 American invasion. As a producer, he has co-produced IRKALLA: Dreams of Gilgamesh, which premiered at the Locarno Film Festival and later screened at TIFF, and the Saudi feature film Hijra, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Noah
About the film
On a day in 2006, Noah, a twelve-year-old boy, tries to convince his friend Sarah to join him on a journey across the city on his motorcycle to bury his dog. The two face numerous obstacles that make the trip difficult, especially amid the deteriorating security situation in Iraq at the time. Amid this harsh reality, one question remains: will Noah and Sarah manage to reach the cemetery where Noah promised his late father he would bury his dog.
Director: Murtadha Harz
Murtadha Al-Yasser is a film director from Baghdad who began his journey in 2017 by earning a diploma in film directing from the Institute of Fine Arts. He actively participated in workshops organized by the Iraqi Independent Film Center in Baghdad. In 2022, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in film directing from the University of Baghdad.
His notable works include directing films such as The City Guard and Noah. During various workshops, Murtadha also made significant contributions to the film The Journey by director Mohamed Al-Daradji. In addition, Murtadha has served as an executive director on several Iraqi television series.
Sweet Water
About the film
Qisma is a 60-year-old woman living in a rundown house. She begs in the streets of Baghdad to buy food for her dog, Bobby, who means everything to her. She has a difficult relationship with her neighbors and struggles with her tough life. Sometimes, she thinks about ending her life, but she can’t do it because she loves Bobby too much. But what will she do when she comes home after visiting her mother’s grave and finds that Bobby has died?
Director: Ali Nabeel
Ali Nabeel Atwan is a filmmaker from Baghdad, Iraq. He was born and raised in the capital and is currently studying Cinema and Television at the College of Fine Arts, University of Baghdad. He began his artistic journey in 2018 with small student projects after graduating high school with a 92% average. He later joined the Iraqi Independent Film Center, participating in several workshops and programs. He worked with director Mohammed Al-Darraji on his latest film and took part in various training courses that allowed him to join the team of Al-Basir directed by Ali Toufan. He also contributed to the Canadian director John Grisson’s documentary Abu Nawas. After these experiences, Ali directed his first documentary, Sweet Water, which is currently in the distribution phase. Following this project, he joined the team of the Saudi film Hijra, directed by Shahd Amin, working as an assistant to French editor Hervé de Luz and taking responsibility for organizing post-production. Through his work on Hijra, Ali gained further practical experience in directing, which he later applied to various television commercials, deepening his understanding of the craft. After these diverse experiences, Ali decided to direct his upcoming short film, WAITING.
