Watch Santa Claus in Baghdad

Santa Claus in Baghdad is a touching and heartwarming film that follows the story of three individuals from different parts of the world who find themselves in Baghdad during Christmas time. The film portrays their struggle to come to terms with their own personal demons, set against the backdrop of a country ravaged by war and political turmoil.

Tamara Dhia stars as the lead character, Laila, a young Iraqi-American journalist who returns to Baghdad to cover the war. Nora Armani plays Mary, an American woman of Lebanese descent who comes to Iraq in search of her son, who went missing during the war. Demosthenes Chrysan plays Andrew, a British soldier who is stationed in Baghdad and is disillusioned with the war.

The film opens with Laila arriving in Baghdad and being met by her childhood friend, a young Iraqi girl named Noor, who is thrilled to see her again. Noor takes Laila around the city and shows her the devastation caused by the war. Laila is shocked and saddened by what she sees, but feels a sense of hope when she meets an Iraqi man who has taken it upon himself to dress up as Santa Claus and distribute gifts to the children in the city. This man, who remains anonymous throughout the film, becomes a central figure in the lives of the three protagonists.

Mary arrives in Baghdad, desperate to find her son, who was taken prisoner during the war. She meets Laila, who promises to help her find him. As they make their way through the city, they encounter Andrew, who is on patrol duty with his comrades. Andrew is initially aloof and distant towards Laila and Mary, but soon starts to open up to them and share his own experiences and doubts about the war.

As the three individuals form a bond and start to trust each other, they also find solace in the figure of Santa Claus, who is a symbol of hope and kindness amidst the violence and chaos of war-torn Baghdad. They encounter him at various points in the film, and his presence becomes a guiding light for them as they navigate their own personal journeys.

The film is shot with a raw and gritty style that captures the harsh realities of life in Baghdad during the war. The performances by the three leads are nuanced and powerful, conveying a range of emotions and conflicts that will resonate with audiences. The supporting cast, made up of local actors, also give strong and authentic performances.

Overall, Santa Claus in Baghdad is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a film that speaks to the power of empathy, connection and hope, even in the darkest of times. The film is a must-watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema that tackles complex themes with sensitivity and nuance.

Santa Claus in Baghdad is a 2015 family movie with a runtime of 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.