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irak special

communities. Whether through the lens of literature, film, theatre, music, and visual arts. Iraq, efforts to preserve and
a camera or the pages of a screenplay, I see celebrate this heritage persist
storytelling as a catalyst for dialogue, change, and Because I work in the image industry, and I despite challenges. Overall,
connection in an increasingly interconnected strongly believe in the role of the image and its Mesopotamian heritage
world. importance in influencing society, I insist that remains a significant part
the visual and audio arts have a major role to of our cultural landscape,
You have been admitted to the Iraqi Society of play in changing the condition of the individual inspiring storytelling and
Writers. Could you tell us something about it and society. shaping national identity.
and how you fit into it as as both a writer and
an artist? From my point of view, some of the urgent tasks The cultural legacy of
The Iraqi Society of Writers is a prestigious in both areas include: Mesopotamia is a source
organization that brings together writers from 1. preservation of cultural heritage – of inspiration and pride
diverse backgrounds and disciplines to celebrate safeguarding Iraq’s rich cultural heritage is for many Iraqis, myself
the rich literary heritage of Iraq and promote the essential for rebuilding national identity and included. Its enduring
advancement of literature in the country and promoting a sense of belonging among citizens; influence enriches our
beyond. There is a part of this institution that 2. education and empowerment – investing in understanding of the past while guiding us
I’m an Iraqi-Canadian filmmaker, TV producer
and video creator. My passion for storytelling is concerned with artists and intellectuals who arts education and empowering emerging artists towards a future that honours the remarkable
began in my homeland Iraq and has since evolved work in various specializations. This part is the is crucial for nurturing creativity and innovation achievements of our ancestors.
into a mission to explore themes of identity and radio and television forum in the Iraqi Writers in Iraqi society;
belonging through my production. I have a Union. I am not a formal member of the Iraqi 3. community commitment – the artist I cannot get over the idea of my belonging, which
PhD in cinema and have worked as a producer- Society of Writers, but I was there as a guest. should actively engage with local communities is closely linked to my roots in Mesopotamia. My
director for many channels since 1993. I started They wanted to celebrate me because I work in to understand and promote their needs and structural and intellectual formation is inevitably
with Iraq TV and then moved on to work for the the field of artistic creativity in television and aspirations; inspired by all that historical splendour, so I
Aljazeera network based in Qatar, the Al Hurra cinema, to talk about my long experience. As 4. promotion of diversity and inclusion – always try to reflect that belonging through
channel (USA), Dubai TV, and the art channel we know, cinema and television create culture, embracing Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage and image-making in the artistic work I complete,
Baghdad Bureau. Also, I worked as operation literature, and stimulate the imagination, just as promoting inclusiveness is essential for building and I make sure that the images are expressive
manager in CNBC Arabia (based in Dubai books do. Also, my experiences as a filmmaker a cohesive and resilient society. and ideal because they represent my civilization,
Media City). Now I am living in Canada, and informs my approach to storytelling, infusing my my society, and my country. Even if I live away
I still work as a producer for Arabic television writing with visual imagery, cinematic pacing, Ancient Mesopotamia, and before that the from it physically, it lives within me, in my soul,
overseas. In Canada, I directed an Indian and a keen awareness of the power of dialogue Kingdom of Ur, are only small parts of your and in my mind.
movie (Punch Panchangam Pariharam) and and narrative structure. At the same time, my country’s rich cultural past. To what extent has
documentaries (Foolish Decisions, Archipelago, background as an Iraqi living in Canada lends this cultural heritage influenced your work? And Today, there seems to be a resurgence of creativity
Ukrainian Plane Tragedy, House of Mercy, Our a unique perspective to my work, allowing me could you tell us a bit about what presence and among artists in many parts of the world. Is this
Beloved and The Other). with depth and authenticity to explore themes of influence this heritage still has in the country the case from your perspective, and, if so, are
identity, displacement and belonging. overall? there projects you are planning to take part in?
The legacy of ancient Mesopotamia, often I directed and produced a documentary about
I also worked as a lecturer at the College of Arts
/ Media Department at Qatar University, the For decades, your country has lived through referred to as the cradle of civilization, is vast conflicts and wars in history, which I called
Institute of Fine Arts / Cinema Department. in challenging times – to say the least. What role and profound. Its contributions to human Foolish Decisions. The story is about the most
Baghdad and as a trainer at the Aljazeera Media do you think art and the artist have to play in history include the invention of writing, the stupid decisions made by leaders in the world
Training & Development Institute. the physical reconstruction of your country and development of complex societies, advancements that caused genocide and wars, and that is why I
in the revitalization of Iraqi society? What seem in agriculture, and the establishment of legal called it Foolish Decisions. Today, yes, I see that
to be the most urgent tasks in both areas? and administrative systems. These foundational the world has changed, and conflicts have evolved
I created the Cinema Festival in 1996 through
my TV program An Appointment with the Iraqi It is in disputable that art and artists play a vital elements have left an indelible mark on even as they continue. But humanity everywhere
Cinema. Currently, I draw inspiration from role in Iraq’s physical reconstruction and social subsequent civilizations and continue to shape in the world rejects these foolish decisions,
both my Iraqi heritage and the multicultural revitalization. They contribute by creating public our world today. especially artists. They stand united towards
landscape of Canada, aiming to create narratives artworks, addressing social issues, preserving spreading peace, goodness and humanity, and I
that resonate with audiences worldwide. cultural heritage, and promoting diversity. As a film maker, I am deeply influenced by am one of them. I am planning a new project,
Urgent tasks include preserving cultural heritage, the cultural heritage of ancient Mesopotamia, which is to establish an artistic media platform
empowering artists, engaging communities, drawing on its rich history, mythology, and on social media to promote humanitarian ideas
Through my work, I aim to shed light on untold
stories, amplify voices that are often marginalized, and promoting inclusiveness. Through art, Iraq symbolism to craft narratives and visuals. In and support artistic works.
and foster empathy and understanding across can heal, inspire, and unite its people. This can my films, I aim to evoke the timeless essence
be achieved through various media, including of Mesopotamian civilization. In countries like Overall, I am excited to be part of this

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