Filmed and Directed by the People of Iraq

There’s a new documentary premiering tommorow. (Since when did documentaries replace Starbucks as the most popular franchise , anyway?)

The premise looks intriguing:

Voices of Iraq

Silenced for 24 years under Saddam’s regime and denied attention by the international media, the people of Iraq are not well understood at this tumultuous time in their history.

Meet the people of Iraq as they struggle with years of turmoil and strive to build a civil society. Hear in their own words their feelings about Saddam Hussein, the multinational invasion of their country, the presence of American troops and their hopes for what may lie ahead for Iraq.

What values do Iraqis bring to the discussion of their future? What role will women play in a new Iraq? How will Islam influence government?

Voices of Iraq offers a unique opportunity to hear the diverse perspective of Iraqis on issues at the forefront of a global debate over war, terror and the prospects for democratic reform - directly from the street. Voices of Iraq is a ground-breaking documentary that does what no other film or news organization has done before.

The producers of Voices of Iraq distributed over 150 DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERAS across the entire country to enable everyday people - mothers, children, teachers, sheiks and even insurgents - to document their lives and their hopes amidst the upheaval of a nation being born.

It will be showing in 10 cities nationwide.

I haven’t seen it. I don’t know how it will portray the US, maybe good, maybe bad, maybe somewhere in between. It’ll be interesting to hear from the Iraq people for once. Chances are, they won’t be telling stories of flying kites and sipping tea.

Click the above link for times and locations at these towns: Atlanta, Dallas, Detriot, LA, Madison, Minneapolis,New Orleans, NY , San Fransisco, San Diego, St. Louis, and D.C.

One final, unrelated thought.

I wonder if 30 years from now, Michael Moore might just be remembered as the Gary Dahl of 2004.