‘Blix Not Bombs,’ ‘Baghdad on Hearth’ Present Two Completely different Takes on Iraq

Monday marks the twentieth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. CPH:DOX will mirror on the repercussions of the battle, which ousted Saddam Hussein, however by no means led to the invention of weapons of mass destruction, by screening two documentaries: Greta Stocklassa’s “Blix Not Bombs” and Karrar Al-Azzawi’s “Baghdad on Hearth.”

“(The invasion) was an occasion that has formed worldwide politics over the course of the final twenty years in unpredictable and infrequently devastating methods,” says CPH:DOX head of program Mads Mikkelsen. “Not least inside Iraq itself. (‘Blix Not Bombs’ and ‘Baghdad on Hearth’) present two completely different takes – a shot and reverse shot – on the course of occasions again in 2003 and on the present state of affairs in Iraq as seen from the within and thru the eyes of the younger.”

“Blix Not Bombs” follows Hans Blix, the previous head of the U.N. Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Fee, who was despatched to Iraq in 2002 to find out whether or not U.S. suspicions that the nation was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction have been based. Although the ultimate report discovered no proof of an Iraqi weapons program beneath Hussein, the U.S. and a coalition of allies nonetheless determined to invade the nation. Now within the remaining stretch of his life, Blix questions whether or not he did sufficient to stop a battle whose influence is felt to at the present time.

“To me, Hans’s story will not be solely an intriguing behind-the-scenes of some of the essential occasions in fashionable historical past, but it surely’s additionally the story of the bounds of diplomacy, ethical dilemmas, and private accountability in shaping the world,” Stocklassa advised Selection whereas engaged on the movie in 2021.

In the meantime, “Baghdad on Hearth” follows 19-year-old activist chief Tiba and her associates from the pro-democracy motion round Baghdad’s Tahrir Sq.. Within the docu, Tiba and her fellow activists focus on and plan easy methods to deliver freedom, democracy and alter to Iraq. They’re achieved with militias, corrupt politicians and international troops defining the nation. Along with associates Khader and Yousif, Tiba begins a medical group that helps younger protesters after they have been bathed in tear fuel.

“Each Tiba and I wished to indicate the world what is actually occurring within the nation,” says Al-Azzawi, who fled Iraq in 2016 after being a vocal advocate for democracy. In October 2019 when protests erupted in Baghdad, the director knew it was time to make a movie. So, he discovered a manufacturing supervisor and two cinematographers.

“My dream major character was a robust Iraqi lady,” Al-Azzawi says. “A courageous, Iraqi lady, who’s preventing for freedom, justice, and equality and her nation.” The helmer’s dream got here true when he met Tiba.
 
“Tiba and I each wish to present that Iraqi ladies usually are not dwelling the life the (worldwide) media portrays,” says Al-Azzawi. “They’re all the time portrayed as managed by society or their husbands. That is all the time the narrative. I believe that Tiba, who left a wedding she was pressured into at age 14, is an instance of an Iraqi lady who will not be a sufferer. This was essential to indicate as a result of Iraqi ladies usually are not victims. They’re resilient and may lead and be in management.”

Each docus shall be making their world premieres at CPH:DOX on Monday. “Blix Not Bombs” shall be adopted by a dwell video dialogue with Blix and Stocklassa. Following “Baghdad on Hearth,” Al-Azzawi, will participate in a dwell dialogue with Aida Al-Kaisy, co-founder of Iraqi media outfit Jummar, and journalist Waleed Safi. Each Q&As shall be moderated by Politiken worldwide editor Michael Jarlner.