Iraq: God, Love, War & Madness

Iraq: God, Love, War & Madness

2008 · 83 min · Documentary

In 2003, Baghdad-born Mohamed Al-Daradji returned home after a decade in exile to film Ahlaam, the second feature shot in Iraq post-Saddam Hussein. This documentary follows the idealistic young director as he realises his dream in bizarre and turbulent circumstances. With its improvised form and unpredictable course, the film reflects the incredible risks confronting filmmakers in ‘liberated’ Iraq and celebrates Iraqi people’s spirit to survive amid overwhelming social and political chaos.

Directed by Mohamed Al Daradji

Your Rating

Make it a double feature

3h 3m together

Iraq: God, Love, War & Madness

Son of Babylon

Both from Mohamed Al Daradji.

More from Mohamed Al DaradjiSee all →

Son of BabylonSon of Babylon · 2009
Son of Babylon
7.32009
MovieDramaWar
A willful young boy follows his just and obstinate grandmother on a journey across Iraq, determined to discover the fate of her missing son, Ahmed's father, who never returned from war.
HijraHijra · 2025
Hijra
7.02025
MovieAdventureDrama
A drama centered on the bond formed between different generations of Saudi women during a journey across the desert to Mecca. When the eldest granddaughter disappears, the grandmother travels to the north in search of the missing teenager.
ScalesScales · 2020
Scales
6.72020
MovieFantasyDrama
Hayat, a 12-year-old strong-willed girl, lives in a poor fishing village governed by dark tradition, in which every family must give away a daughter to the sea creatures who inhabit the waters near by. In turn, the sea creatures are hunted by the men of the village. Saved from this ordeal by her father, Hayat is outcasted by her village and considered a curse. But Hayat never surrenders. When Hayat’s mother gives birth to her new-born brother, Hayat must accept the brutal custom by sacrificing herself to these creatures or find a way to escape.
MosulMosul · 2019
Mosul
6.72019
MovieWarDrama
When ISIS took their homes, families and city, one group of men fought to take it all back. Based on true events, this is the story of the Nineveh SWAT team, a renegade police unit who waged a guerrilla operation against ISIS in a desperate struggle to save their home city of Mosul.
DreamsDreams · 2006
Dreams
5.82006
MovieDramaWar
Scarred Baghdad 2003... confusion, uncertainty and death engulf the bombed ruins of a Psychiatric Asylum. Voyeuristically we move between the past and the present of three Iraqi lives entangled by the chaos of the American 'Shock and Awe' campaign...
The JourneyThe Journey · 2017
The Journey
5.82017
MovieDrama
Sara enters Baghdad station with sinister intentions for its reopening ceremony. As she braces to commit an unthinkable act, her plans are drastically altered by an unwanted and awkward encounter with Salam, a self-assured and flirtatious salesman. With Salam now hostage to Sara’s confused and deluded plan, he battles desperately to appeal to her humanity and sway her decision. In a moment of consideration and with her convictions crumbling before her, Sara is given the opportunity to witness the life and innocence she was so willing to destroy. But is this a second chance or an admission of guilt?
Irkalla – Gilgamesh's DreamIrkalla – Gilgamesh's Dream · 2025
Irkalla – Gilgamesh's Dream
2025
MovieDrama
In Baghdad's streets, Chum-Chum, a diabetic and dreamy nine-year-old, believes the Tigris hides a gate to Irkalla, the underworld where he can revive his lost parents. As his friend Moody is pulled into a militia plot, Chum-Chum must choose between myth and truth.
In My Mother's ArmsIn My Mother's Arms · 2011
In My Mother's Arms
2011
MovieDocumentaryDrama
Several children live and study in a small rented house and they have no one to help them accept for Husham, a student. When the landlord demands they leave, the children lose their only sanctuary.
In the Sands of BabylonIn the Sands of Babylon · 2013
In the Sands of Babylon
2013
MovieDramaHistory
An Iraqi soldier escaping from Kuwait as the army retreats in 1991 is captured and cast into Saddam’s infamous prisons, accused of being a traitor. Outside, an Iraqi uprising instills hope for those held captive in the killing fields of Babylon.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter