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