Impact Days Catalogue
fifdh
By Karrar Al-Azzawi and Karrar Al-Azzawi

Baghdad on Fire

IMPACT DAYS

This film portrays Tiba’s compelling journey as she fights for freedom and equality in post-invasion Iraq. 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion, and on October 1st, thousands gather in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square to commemorate the youth demonstrations against chaos, corruption, and conflict. Tiba, a 19-year-old, stands among them. In a society with strict gender separation, men and women unite to demand change, tired of militias, corrupt politicians, and foreign interference. Tiba joins her friends Yousif and Khader to form a medical team, spending days and nights at Tahrir Square. They laugh, cry, and face danger, embodying the spirit of Iraqi youth and women. Despite trauma and depression, Tiba, a leader in the 2019 demonstrations, continues to fight for a new Iraq and her dreams of education and independence. The film traces her transformation from forced marriage and abuse to her pursuit of a better future and democracy. Will she succeed?

Sections : Impact Days, Impact Days
Country : Iraq
Original language : Arabic
Directors
Karrar Al-Azzawi
Karrar Al-Azzawi (Iraq)
Producers
Jørgen Lorentzen
Jørgen Lorentzen (Norway)
Kim Christiansen (Sales agent – DR Sales)
Integral film
Completion
July 2023
Impact Statement
This is a character-driven film following a young woman taking part in the democracy movement in Iraq and her growth from early marriage, violence and divorce into a young woman taking leadership in the demonstrations for a better future. We want to convey the truth about the hope of young people in Iraq and show it to both the huge number of youths in the Middle East and to the adults. The film portrays the protagonists' strength and resilience, offering hope to those facing adversity. In collaboration with NGOs, it focuses on early marriage, gender equality, and democracy, highlighting young men and women's joint efforts for change. We want to approach politicians, youths, change-makers and participate in educational programs.
The film aims to empower women and youth, amplify Iraqi activists' voices for democracy, combat underage marriages and promote education, advocate for the Domestic Violence Law, and inspire viewers to become agents of change.
Impact Goals
  1. To support women and youth and demand for their rights.
  2. To strengthen the voice of Iraqi democracy activists and raise international awareness about the current situation in Iraq.
  3. To reduce and stop the marriage of minors and support education.
  4. To push and influence the enactment of the Domestic Violence Law.
  5. To enable viewers of the film to become agents of change.
Impact Strategy
  • Work with NGOs that are active in Iraq.
  • Organize awareness campaigns at an international and national level.
  • Screen the film at workshops, seminars and conferences.
  • Special screenings for influential figures, lawmakers, and key decision-makers at national and international levels.
  • Develop partnerships with research firms and think tanks to explore the issue further and start advocating at the policy-making level.
  • Reach out to mainstream media. - Build conversation among students and universities to explore possibilities of further strengthening democratic rights. - Initiate a solid social media campaign internationally as part of sensitisation efforts.
  • International screening tours accompanied by panel discussions and conversations on social media at libraries, universities, museums, and community screenings.
  • Partner with key international organizations who are working with women’s rights.
Contact
Primary contact
Jørgen Lorentzen (Norway): jl@heddafound.no
Participants present at the Impact Days
Jørgen Lorentzen (Norway)
Karrar Al-Azzawi (Iraq)

FUNDERS
Norwegian Film Institute
Østnorsk Film Center
Fritt Ord

BROADCASTERS
Al Jazeera
AftenpostenTV
DR Sales

FUNDERS
Norwegian Film Institute
Østnorsk Film Center
Fritt Ord

BROADCASTERS
Al Jazeera
AftenpostenTV
DR Sales