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Iraq in Fragments

Written by Nobuhiro Hosoki

 

Director James Longly Interview

Garnering triple awards at Sundance, "Iraq in Fragments" gives an intimate perspective into the uneasy and volatile lives of the Iraqi people under the American occupation. Director James Longly shot the film over a two-year period, exposing himself to potential danger. He has captured a ravishingly photographed visual lyric, presenting the three predominant ethnic groups, Sunni, Shiite, and Kurd.

The first segment focuses on a Sunni neighborhood in Bagdad, where an 11-year-old mechanic helps to support his family after his father disappeared during Saddam's repressive regime. It takes us into a Dickensian world of a pure innocent lad desperately seeking approval from an opinionated boss who also mistreats him by berating him for poor performance at school. But even more disturbing is that these kids are thrust into a constant state of chaos as helicopters buzz overhead, smoke rises sky-high, and intimidating tanks drive by in the streets.

The second segment is set in Shia-dominated Nasiriyah and the holy city of Najaf, offering extraordinary access to the office of the Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr office and his lieutenant, Sheik Aws. They run a private militia to arrest any Iraqi that sells alcohol.  Stock speeches and passionate demonstrations, all in the interest of slowly pushing the Islamic law, are the order of the day.

The third segment takes viewers into the farmland of Northern Iraq where life passes so simply that it almost feels like a different country. It uncovers the wonderful texture of rhythm in life, involving father-and-son relationships. Surprisingly, many Kurds are enthusiastic about the arrival of the United States military, expecting a radical change.

Although there are no substantial elements taken from the front lines of war, Longly shot some 300 hours of footage, revealing a country in turmoil, pulling apart with religious and political differences. The film is replete with gorgeous cinematography, considering the quality of DVX-100. The film ruminates on the human stories that are often overlooked in a chaotic world. Each segment shows the slow progress of the nation, but it seems there is no end in sight.

Directed by James Longley
In Arabic and Kurdish, with English subtitles
Director of photography, Mr. Longley
Edited by Billy McMillin, Fiona Otway and Mr. Longley
Music by Mr. Longley
Produced by John Sinno and Mr. Longley
Released by Typecast Releasing and HBO Documentary Films.
Running time: 94 minutes.
This film is not rated.