Watch Voices of Iraq

Voices of Iraq, released in 2004, is a groundbreaking documentary that provides a unique and unfiltered look into the daily lives of the Iraqi people in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. This film is not a typical documentary, as it does not rely on a director's narrative, but rather on the voices of the Iraqi people themselves to tell their stories of life in a war-torn country.

The film was created through a grassroots effort, with American organizers distributing 150 video cameras to Iraqi citizens in order to capture their daily lives over a three-month period. The resulting footage was then compiled and edited together to create a powerful and authentic portrait of a country in turmoil.

The documentary is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of life in Iraq. The first chapter, "Life Under Saddam," provides a brief history of Iraq before the U.S. invasion, and features interviews with Iraqis discussing the strict laws and punishments enforced under Saddam Hussein's regime.

The subsequent chapters delve into life during the U.S. occupation, including the chaos and violence that followed the fall of Baghdad, the struggles of regular citizens to find food and shelter amidst widespread destruction, and the attempts to rebuild the country's infrastructure and institutions.

One of the most powerful aspects of Voices of Iraq is the candidness of its interviewees. They express their hopes and fears for the future of their country and their families, and share their personal stories of survival and resilience. Many of the stories are heart-wrenching, such as a father who lost his son to the violence and a woman who was widowed by the war. However, the film also highlights moments of joy and camaraderie, such as a group of men at a barbershop joking around and sharing stories.

The film accurately depicts the struggle for survival among the Iraqi people, who faced a variety of challenges including daily bombings, food shortages, lack of electricity, and slow aid delivery. The seemingly impossible task of rebuilding a country ravaged by war is also shown in the film, as Iraqis try to find ways to restore the country's infrastructure and institutions.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves a group of young Iraqi boys playing soccer in a bombed-out field, with a U.S. tank parked a short distance away. The boys speak candidly about their desire for peace and their frustration with the military occupation of their country, while also expressing their admiration for American movies and culture. The scene highlights the complexity of the situation, as Iraqis at once resent and admire the United States and its people.

Overall, Voices of Iraq is a powerful and important film that provides a unique and intimate perspective on one of the most complex conflicts in modern history. By allowing Iraqis to tell their own stories, the film humanizes a population often portrayed in the media only as victims or perpetrators of violence. This documentary is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the personal and political impact of war.

Voices of Iraq is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 66.