The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content

Embed this code on your site

Video player width

by Reset

Baghdad Twist

2007 33 min
Coming soon

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.

Sorry this content is not available in your current location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Campus
Baghdad Twist

Details

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.

Developing Countries
Families
Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism
All subjects
  • participation
    Valentine Balass
  • writer
    Joe Balass
  • director
    Joe Balass
  • producer
    Germaine Ying Gee Wong
  • editor
    Annie Jean
  • associate producer
    Aisling Chin-Yee
  • research
    Joe Balass
  • photo animation
    Philippe Raymond
    Jean-Marc Brosseau
    Stephan Gaudreault
  • sound recording
    David Ballard
  • sound editing
    Don Ayer
  • music recording
    DeTour Sound
  • re-recording
    Shelley Craig
  • original music
    Dino Giancola
    Janet Lumb
  • whispers
    Chloé Wong Mersereau
  • translation
    Joe Balass
  • titles
    Philippe Raymond
    Gaspard Gaudreau
    Stephan Gaudreault
  • online editor
    David Oxilia
  • photo scanning
    Louise Overy
    Stephan Gaudreault
  • post-production coordinator
    Linda Payette
    Steve Hallé
    Pierre Ferlatte
  • digital editing technician
    Ochelle Greenidge
    Ariel Santana
    Pierre Dupont
    Isabelle Painchaud
    Danielle Raymond
  • production administration assistant
    Sia Koukoulas
    Miya Kondo
  • program administrator
    Dan Emery
    Marie Tonto-Donati
    Nickie Merulla
  • marketing manager
    Moira Keigher
  • research cinematography
    Claudine Sauvé
    Bill Kerrigan
    Alain Julfayan
    Marlene Millar
  • assistant camera
    Eric Bensoussan
    Philippe Prud'homme
  • executive producer
    Ravida Din
    Sally Bochner

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device. 

Roku Apple TV Fire TV Android TV Apple App Store Google Play Store

Education

Diversity - Diversity in Communities
History - Canada 1946-1991
History - World History

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.

Explore