Watch Homeland: Iraq Year Zero

Homeland: Iraq Year Zero is a documentary film that was released in 2015. Directed by Abbas Fahdel, the film is a powerful depiction of the consequences of the Iraq War on ordinary Iraqi citizens. Fahdel's aim was to capture the perspective of everyday Iraqis during a period of intense political upheaval and military conflict, and in doing so, he creates a poignant and deeply affecting portrait of a nation in crisis.

The film is divided into two parts. The first part takes place in 2002, just before the outbreak of the war. It follows the daily lives of a middle-class family living in Baghdad, the Alwan family, as they go about their daily business. The father, Mohamed, is a former electrical engineer who now runs a small market. The mother, Nidal, is an artist who paints portraits of her children. The two eldest children, Mustafa and Raghad, are university students, while the youngest, Haidar, is a playful six-year-old boy.

As the family goes about their daily routine, we see how the impending war affects their lives. In particular, we see how Mohamed is deeply concerned about the fate of his country and his family. He frequently talks about his fears for the future, and we gain a sense of the anxiety and uncertainty that pervades life in Iraq at this time.

The second part of the film takes place in 2003, after the invasion of Iraq by coalition forces. The Alwan family, like so many others in Iraq, are struggling to adapt to their new reality. Life has become a daily struggle for survival, as the country descends into chaos and violence. The family is forced to cope with shortages of food and water, and constant power outages. Meanwhile, the threat of violence is ever-present, as they hear stories of kidnappings, bombings, and shootings.

Throughout the film, Fahdel presents a stark contrast between the Alwans' life before and after the war. In the first part of the film, we see the family living in relative comfort and security, enjoying their lives and dreaming of a better future. By the second part of the film, however, their lives have been turned upside down. They are living in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, struggling to survive in a war-torn country.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of non-professional actors. The Alwan family members are real people, not actors, and their performances are raw and authentic. As a result, the film feels incredibly real and immediate, giving viewers a visceral sense of what life in Iraq was like during this tumultuous period.

Homeland: Iraq Year Zero is also notable for its length. At over five hours long, the film is a marathon viewing experience. However, it is a testament to Fahdel's skill as a filmmaker that it never feels dull or boring. Instead, the length of the film allows Fahdel to fully explore the complexities of life in Iraq during this period, and to create a truly epic and immersive film.

In conclusion, Homeland: Iraq Year Zero is a powerful and emotional documentary that provides a unique perspective on the Iraq War. It is a thought-provoking and deeply affecting film that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of war, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.