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

(In Production - TV hour & feature, 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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View Trailer

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Latest News

On target to complete production - please help

In May-June 2011 we raised more than half of the $40,000 needed to complete film production. By donating now you can help us to reach our goal!

Your donation will support a final overseas trip to the UK, to film interviews with Iraqi music experts and the key witness to Saddam's censorship committee that removed composers names from their songs.  You'll also enable us to source important archival footage and photos.

Many thanks to the Australian Communities Foundation, the Finkel Family Foundation and all the generous people who contributed to our May-June fundraising drive.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION.

 

Tigris education program promotes peace

On the Banks of the Tigris is more than a film - it's an ongoing project to promote peace, cultural connection and community harmony.

The Tigris team (Marsha and Majid) visit schools, interfaith and community groups, where our talks and work-in-progress screenings create dialogue and discussion.  Our visits contribute to greater understanding of Iraq, the Middle East, and the humanity that transcends religious or political boundaries.

Groups we've met so far include: Australian Iraqi Forum, Sephardi Association of Victoria, International Pen, Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition, National Council of Jewish Women, Melbourne University, Portland State University (USA), Mittleman Jewish Commmunty Center (USA), and many others.

We welcome invitations to screen and discuss our project.  For more information and bookings please contact marsha@fruitfulfilms.com.au

 

Tigris trailer a hit on YouTube

Over 22,000 views, 95% approval, lively discussion and lots of positive feedback have been generated by our online trailer.  Here are some of our favourite YouTube comments:
'Wonderful video.  This is a great project to keep music from one of the oldest civilizations being destroyed by war.'

'This brought a tear to my eye.  I was born in Iraq, left when I was just a kid, but I'll never forget that music.  I still feel all warm and safe when I hear it, it'll never stop affecting me.' - Mahal

'Iraqi people always identified themselves with their country, it was never about religion.' - rafid

'I'm muslim and i want to say that iraq is the country of muslim, christian, jewish and mandean, to live peacefully together and forever.' - zayoonah

'My grandmother always told me that Iraqi-Jews were so kind and good.  They were kicked from Baghdad and they still love Iraq!! Thx for the video.' - jamil

'Great idea to promote Iraqi plurality.  Music and arts are among the best components that promote peace among nations.' - maysaffar

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.  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.'

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View Iraqi clip

To view this 3 minute trailer, click the play button.

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Free Downloads

Harmonies in Old Iraq - The Age, 22 September 2007
The Ballads of Baghdad, Australian Jewish News, 3/10/08
Global Reconciliation Network Letter of Support
On the Banks of the Tigris Flyer

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Photo Gallery

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Links

Click here to see a full list of links

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, Australian Communities Foundation, Search Foundation, Finkel Foundation, and generous individual donors.

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