On The Banks Of The Tigris Children of the Crocodile Intersections Lihok Pilipina

On the Banks of the Tigris: The hidden story of Iraqi music

(TV hour & feature work-in-progress, Producer/Director: Marsha Emerman)

When Majid Shokor escaped from Iraq he discovered a hidden history - that many songs all Iraqis love to sing were written and performed by Iraqi Jews. His discovery sparks an extraordinary journey through many lands. This is the story of Majid's search for the source of the songs he loves and the performers who still sing and play these songs today.  It shows how culture transcends borders and builds bridges between people of all faiths.


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Majid Films in Iraq

Majid travelled to Iraq, where he and a professional crew filmed a wealth of new material.  It includes interviews (eg. with the legendary singer Afifa Iskander, now in her 90s), performances, lively scenes in Baghdad streets and teahouses, a boat tour on the Tigris river, and more! Here is his first-hand account:

'I'm very pleased to let you know that I finally made it back to Iraq.   I arrived in Baghdad on 24th November 2008 and stayed until the 10th of Jan 2009.

It was an emotional time when I saw my family, who I hadn't seen for 15 years.  My mother, who didn't believe she would ever see me again after all we had been through, couldn't believe her eyes.  Amazingly, she, my sisters, brothers and their sons and daughters were all in good spirits.  It was strange to see my nephews and nieces, who were very little when I left, as fathers and mothers with their own small babies. That was a strong reminder of how much time has passed.

It was fascinating to listen to ordinary Iraqis tell their many stories of loss, despair, separation from loved ones, courage and hope.  Their determination to carry on and enjoy their lives was inspiring.

I was very excited that I was able to film in Baghdad.  I interviewed old and young musicians and music critics and filmed rehearsals and concerts of many groups, including a traditional Iraqi maqam singing group and the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra.  I came back with footage of cultural life in Baghdad, which has just started to get back to normal.

It was great to see lovers holding hands and strolling on the banks of the Tigris, the river that has witnessed so many stories of Baghdad and Iraqis.  In this time when a lot of people accept what they see on TV about Iraq, I was able to document another side to the life of Iraq and its people.  I hope the footage will give you an authentic image of Iraq today.'

Our next step is to work with one of Australia's top editors on a short cut (20-30 minutes) from all the material we've filmed - in Iraq, Australia, Europe and Israel. We'll use this to raise funds to complete a full-length version of our film for TV and worldwide distribution.

Thank you for believing in the power of music and the arts to create positive change and reconciliation.



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View Trailer

To view this 8 minute trailer, click the play button.

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Free Downloads

Tigris Project Description
Harmonies in Old Iraq - The Age Newspaper, 22 September 2007
On the Banks of the Tigris Flyer

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Photo Gallery

This project is being developed with the assistance of Film Victoria, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Harold Mitchell Foundation, Shark Island Documentary Fund, Graeme Smith Peace Trust, Besen Family Foundation, Melbourne Community Foundation, Search Foundation, Finkel Foundation, and generous individual donors.
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