Watch Iraq in Fragments

Iraq in Fragments is a powerful documentary film that takes the viewer on an insightful, and often gut-wrenching, journey through the lives of ordinary people living in post-war Iraq. The film, which was released in 2006, is divided into three distinct parts, each of which offers a unique perspective on life in Iraq. The first part of the film follows the story of 11-year-old Mohammed Haithem, a young boy living in a poverty-stricken region of Baghdad. Mohammed dreams of one day becoming an auto mechanic, but his dreams are constantly hampered by the harsh realities of life in Iraq. Through his eyes, we are given a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles faced by the Iraqi people, from the lack of access to clean water and electricity, to the constant threat of violence.

The second part of the film takes us to the southern part of Iraq, where we meet Suleiman Mahmoud, a Shiite cleric who is struggling to rebuild his community following the fall of Saddam Hussein. Through his eyes, we witness the complex political and religious landscape of contemporary Iraq, where Sunni and Shiite Muslims are deeply divided and tensions between these groups are never far from the surface. Suleiman's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Iraqi people, as he works tirelessly to rebuild his community and provide hope for the future.

The third and final part of the film takes us to the northern Kurdish region of Iraq, where we meet Marmar Alhilali, a Kurdish mother of eight who is struggling to keep her family together in the face of immense adversity. Through her eyes, we see the harsh realities of life as a Kurdish woman in Iraq, as she fights to overcome the patriarchal traditions that have marginalized women in Kurdish society. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the ability of ordinary people to persevere in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Overall, Iraq in Fragments is a haunting and deeply moving film that offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the lives of ordinary people living in a war-torn country. Through its deeply personal and intimate portraits of individuals struggling to survive and rebuild their communities, the film provides a powerful commentary on the human toll of war and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. It is a rare and powerful film that should be seen by anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the complex political and cultural forces shaping contemporary Iraq.