Aug 2010
In this issue:
Son of the desert
An intelligent, stunningly shot Iraq war film, Son of Babylon is set to grace this month’s Sundance Festival
Issue: Jan, 2010
The words “cinematic experience” have become sullied by big-budget Hollywood production, but they really should apply to films like Son of Babylon, Mohamed al-Daraji’s film that’s set to appear later this month at the Sundance Film Festival. It’s a subtle, politically-minded film that illustrates the plight of many Iraqis and Kurds in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s reign – it’s nothing short of an intellectual and emotional journey. Here the director talks to NOX about the making of this film, and why it’s most definitely not American propaganda.
NOX: What was it like making Son of Babylon? Have the difficulties you faced during production been worth it?
Mohamed al-Daraji: It was like being in a never-ending dream! Well, sometimes a nightmare. We had been working for four years on getting Son of Babylon made before we started shooting, so the year of putting up my sleeves and getting behind the camera was amazing. But that’s where the nightmare part came in; it was very hard convincing the Iraqi government to allow us leeway in travel, security, etc. We also had to deal with certain international film committees who pulled out at the last minute, anal actors and understandably suspicious police.
NOX: How did you deal with that last bit? Were you constantly suspected of being terrorists?
MD: The one thing we did end up getting from the Iraqi government was the protection of its army – without which I really doubt I’d be here talking to you! They brought a sense of protection to the entire crew, and for that I am forever grateful.
NOX: Sundance must seem like vindication, though...
MD: Oh, definitely – and it’s a blessing to go there and show Iraq’s culture. As for winning the competition, well, it would brilliant but I’m thankfully free of an obsession with miniature statues, so I’ll be able to sleep well at night no matter what happens !
NOX: What kind of reaction are you hoping for?
MD: It’s very important for me that they like the film, of course. But at the same time, movies are such a subjective art, since each and every person’s perspective on life plays a role when they’re sitting down to watch it. What I hope to achieve with Son of Babylon is to simply prove that we’re all human beings. Well, I say simply, but it’s a lot harder than it looks, isn’t it? It’s a lot harder to convince people that when they kill a “someone” in a time of war, they’re actually killing another person. Not an animal, not an insect, not a number on some chart. They’re taking a human life.
NOX: How do you answer accusations that your film is American propaganda, that you support the invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?N
MD: That’s utter nonsense. We’re totally against the ongoing American occupation of our country, and think the destruction and suffering they’ve caused in their own interest is barbaric. Saddam did a lot to harm us, too, and highlighting this fact doesn’t mean that we support or endorse the current Iraq war. They were the ones that brought him to us in the first place – he was strong as he was because of the Americans!
