i've been watching this documentary which is being shown in installments online called "hometown baghdad". it's really powerful footage. since only a few minutes at a time are being released, it's easy to keep up on or get into it for the first time. but it's also hard to put everything in chronological perspective if you are into that. from what i can figure, the filmmakers started the project focusing on a few young iraqis who speak english, and then they gave them cameras so that the individuals can document their lives and what interests them as well. this is where the documentary becomes a people project and gets compelling. in one clip, one of the individuals the film is following decides he will take the camera secretly out on the streets and try to record some footage. this is dangerous because to walk the streets is dangerous enough. but if you are caught with a hidden camera, one might think you are a spy. if he is caught speaking english, well shit could go down as well.

the other aspect that is interesting is that it focuses on young people just starting their lives. they're finishing up school and should be starting careers, dating, hanging out with friends, just enjoying life. but when you're in the middle of a war, you cannot do these things. so they talk about what they can't do and show the moments when they do get to leave their home and try to carry on with life. when they go to an abandoned home and swim in the pool. when they go to a restaurant or a market. plus there is all the talk of fleeing the country and the people that have been killed. everyone knows someone who has been killed or who has left. for some, they are one of the few still remaining in iraq. what do you do when your life is just beginning but it is extremely difficult to have a life in your country? please check out a few clips. i highly recommend "hometown baghdad".