Featuring a unique collection of archival images, home movies and family photographs from Iraq, Baghdad Twist is a short film that pulls back the curtain on Iraq's once thriving Jewish community. Baghdad-born filmmaker Joe Balass takes us on a journey through the fragmented memories of an Arab exile. This powerful collage forms a portrait of a time and place that no longer exists.
Before viewing, ask history and society students to research the Jewish Iraqi experience of the mid-20th century, comparing to contemporary Iraqi and Middle East issues. After viewing, students may further explore: Jewish world history; the Middle Eastern female voice; and the Middle Eastern immigrant experience of Canada. Film/media students can evaluate the ironic effect of intercutting with British news clips, as well as the use of different narrative voices.
Baghdad Twist, Joe Balass, provided by the National Film Board of Canada