In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq (2005)

The Internationally Multi-Award Winning Feaure In the Shadow of the Palms is the Only documentary filmed in Iraq prior to, during, and after the fall of Saddam Hussein. It documents the ... See full summary »

Director:

Wayne Coles-Janess

Writer:

Wayne Coles-Janess

6 wins & 1 nomination.

Storyline

The Internationally Multi-Award Winning Feaure In the Shadow of the Palms is the Only documentary filmed in Iraq prior to, during, and after the fall of Saddam Hussein. It documents the changes in Iraqi society, and the lives of ordinary Iraqis by focusing on a cross-section of individuals. The film presents audiences with a window into the everyday realities for those living through this controversial war. The film documents how life is for the society and people living under twelve years of sanctions and the regime of Saddam Hussein. When the inevitability of the US-led conflict increased and people across the globe protested the war, the filmmakers recorded the changes in the lives of the Iraqi people, focusing on a cross-section of individuals representative of the broader Iraqi community. The film follows these individuals as they prepare for the coalition war against their country and as it becomes the target for tens of thousands of coalition cruise missiles and guided bombs. ...

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Plot Keywords:

saddam hussein | iraq | baghdad iraq | islam | territory name in title | 

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Genres:

Documentary | History | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Australia

Language:

Arabic

Release Date:

August 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Na Sombra das Palmeiras do Iraque

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ipso Facto Productions Pty. Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

A must-see for anyone seeking to understand the cultural issues surrounding the first major war of the 21st century

'In the Shadow of the Palms' -Review

'In the Shadow of the Palms' offers a new perspective on a war surrounded by politics and propaganda. While the western media reported a war of 'shock and awe' this moving documentary paints a picture of destroyed lives and livelihoods. The only film covering the whole of the Iraqi campaign 'In the Shadow of the Palms' offers a realistic and insightful picture of Iraq before, during and after liberation.

Jolting footage of the destructive nature of the US bombing contrasts with intimate footage of birthday parties, grocery shopping or wrestling training to give the film a personalized view of the real effects of war on a society. Despite being arrested on several occasions by the Iraqi government, filmmaker Wayne Coles-Janess filmed for 4 weeks leading up to the war and the 2 weeks of the initial shock and awe campaign. Returning to Iraq during the US occupation, 'In the Shadow of the Palms' documents the changes in the perspectives and attitudes of the Iraqi people.

A cobbler, a Newspaper Salesman an Arabic Poetry Professor and many others offer their outlook on the invasion. "Every individual is struggling to live," explains a Newspaper Salesman, "I hope the wealth will spread over the whole Iraqi people because they are so tired."

'In the Shadow of the Palms' shows the disregarded people of Iraq as a strong and proud community, unwilling to be overcome and ready to fight for the right to live on their own terms. Winning awards for Best Documentary and the Independent Spirit award at the Inside Film Awards and shown in over 30 international film festivals 'In the Shadow of the Palms' is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the cultural issues surrounding the first major war of the 21st century.