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From Baghdad to Peace Country

This documentary is about Canadian artist Deryk Houston, who in 1999, had a life-altering journey to Baghdad. Unable to remain an outside observer of the crisis in Iraq, Deryk travelled to witness first-hand the impact of international sanctions on the Iraqi people. Compelled to speak out, the artist embarked upon a unique nature art project designed to call attention to the situation of the children of Iraq. Using rocks, gravel and hay, Deryk began to create large-scale art installations in the image of a mother and child against diverse landscapes around the world.
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This documentary is about Canadian artist Deryk Houston, who in 1999, had a life-altering journey to Baghdad. Unable to remain an outside observer of the crisis in Iraq, Deryk travelled to witness first-hand the impact of international sanctions on the Iraqi people. Compelled to speak out, the artist embarked upon a unique nature art project designed to call attention to the situation of the children of Iraq. Using rocks, gravel and hay, Deryk began to create large-scale art installations in the image of a mother and child against diverse landscapes around the world.

Foreign Countries War, Conflict and Peace Developing Countries Visual Arts All subjects
  • director
    Sherry LePage
  • producer
    Tracey Friesen
  • editor
    Mandy Leith
  • cinematographer
    Doug Sjoquist
  • composer
    Dennis Burke
  • sound designer
    Dennis Burke
  • location sound
    Lisa Kolisnyk
  • additional footage
    Grant Wakefield
    Bill Weaver
    Sherry LePage
    Linda Morgan
    Tom Jackson
  • musician
    Amy Houston
    Joseph Pepe Danza
  • vocals
    Mohammed Ahmed
  • dialogue editor
    Andre Iwanchuk
  • re-recording mixer
    Ewan Deane
  • stock footage
    ITN Archive
  • video post production services
    Rainmaker Digital Pictures
    Big Red Barn Post
  • producer, initial development
    Gillian Darling Kovanic
  • story consultant
    Heather C Martin
  • director consultant
    Bill Weaver
  • production clerk
    Christine Sears
  • production supervisor
    Kathryn Lynch
  • program administrator
    Bruce Hagerman
  • executive producer
    Graydon McCrea

Education

Ages 14 to 17
School subjects
Arts Education - Visual Arts History and Citizenship Education - Civil Rights and Freedoms History and Citizenship Education - Issues in Society Today Social Studies - Contemporary Issues
Students should have some prior knowledge about the war in Iraq to better understand Houston’s art based on that event. Discuss the far-reaching role of international sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people by the United Nations after 1991. Have students comment on Houston’s belief that art is “a record of our times.” What does Houston hope to accomplish with his peace sanctuaries around the world? For additional information on Deryk Houston, go to his website.

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From Baghdad to Peace Country
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Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

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