The exiled Iraqi’s recollections of life in Baghdad were a central part of one of the year’s best documentaries
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In July the comedian David Baddiel tweeted about a new documentary series that was making waves: “Finished watching Once Upon A Time In Iraq tonight. It’s possibly the most powerful documentary series I’ve ever seen…” Political commentator Andrew Neil agreed: “Quite simply, the best documentary series the BBC has ever made.”
Directed by the award-winning film-maker James Bluemel, the five-part series sought to bring new understanding and perspectives to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and its aftermath, ending with life under Isis. The aim was for a “unique personal archive from civilians and soldiers from both sides of the conflict”, and what makes the series so singular and successful are the central set of storytellers featured throughout; their interviews as unexpected as they are harrowing. As well as anger and anguish there is occasional humour, and remarkable intimacy as Bluemel keeps the camera rolling when they pause to light a cigarette, take a swig of coffee or simply sit in silence lost in thought, head in hands, while sitting in what looks like someone’s garage.
