The Jewish Innovation
SHADOW IN BAGHDAD is a documentary film that traces the story of the Jewish community, its important contribution to Iraqi society, and eventual disappearance from Baghdad. Though Jews had once played an important role in the making of modern Iraq, by the 1970s most had been brutally driven out of the country and the community virtually annihilated.
The story-line of the film is structured around a rather surprising narrative: A young journalist from Baghdad sets out to write about Linda Abdul Aziz Menuhin, who escaped Iraq to Israel in the early 70’s and about her father who decided to stay in Iraq only later to disappear to an unknown fate. The physical barrier between the Iraqi journalist and Linda, in Israel, is broken by the internet and suspicion converts into trust. Slowly they uncover the tragic end of Linda’s father, as well as that of the Jewish community that had thrived in Iraq for over 2,000 years.
This is one tragic story among many that needs to be told. Shadow in Baghdad is a film about how a generation of young Iraqis are beginning to acknowledge the tragedy that was inflicted on the Jewish community in Iraq and the void they left behind. This is an untold story, about a border-less friendship, which will inspire people and convert old perceptions into openness.
I have made award-winning films which were viewed by millions all around the world. An important part of my work is dedicated to the history and experience of Jews in the Arab world. I feel that I must fill this void to educate the world about a history and heritage that is more than 2,000 years old. A history which was cut off abruptly and left only a shadow where it once had flourished.
The Impact
This is an urgent and timely project. The unprecedented fact that we see in this film an Iraqi journalist reach out to learn about the story of the Iraqi Jewish community is what makes this project groundbreaking. Certainly, no one has ever done anything quite like this.
What Will You Do with the Money?
By helping us bring this film to a wider audience, you will help to further its timely message: that a regional dialogue between all sides of the conflict is not only possible, but already beginning to happen.
And you can help spread the word in other ways as well! Please watch, share and like our short trailer and visit our Facebook page.
