Baghdad Messi

By

Sahim Omar Kalifa

Duration

18 MIN

Language

Arabic

Subtitles

French/english

Country

Belgium, United Arab Emirates

Year

2013

Houston, we have a DRAMATIC COMEDY on CHILDHOOD

As part of the program

Focus Flanders - Shorts

« What defines Flemish cinema? Is there such a thing as ‘a typical Flemish film’? Let’s hope not.

We like to believe that ‘our’ cinema is ever changing and that its limits and possibilities are boundless. We hope it’s varied, daring to say the least. Flemish films are rooted in an on-going fight of balancing out an independent art form while simultaneously reaching out to a broad audience. The films in this selection all speak of that hybridity: they vary in style, genre and theme, but are allied in their challenge to inspire or provoke the viewer. This collection consists of some of the most celebrated Flemish short films worldwide, accompanied by what we consider two of our bravest feature films. Let us know what you think defines them. »

Niels Putman
Focus Flanders programmer

« We are pleased to welcome the Flemish cinema as part of the very first Focus at QCFF. This Belgian region, like Québec, stands out for its unique culture. The uniqueness of this culture is undoubtedly reflected in its rich and abundant cinema. »

Olivier Bilodeau
QCFF Programming Director

Mont Blanc
Mompelaar
Sonnet 81
Baghdad Messi
Oh Willy...
No offense

Synopsis

Iraq, 2009. Little Hamoudi, 10 years old, is totally obsessed with football. Just like the rest of the world, he and his friends are eagerly looking forward to the Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United - the long awaited clash between Messi and Ronaldo. But then Hamoudi’s television breaks down...