From Berlin to Baghdad

From Berlin to Baghdad is a documentary film co-produced by Iraqi poet and cultural activist Amal al-Jubouri that documents the aftermath of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, focusing especially on the cultural devastation in Baghdad. The film runs about 55 minutes and captures the widespread destruction and looting of Iraq’s cultural heritage, including the infamous ransacking of the National Museum of Iraq and the burning of the National Archives. It follows al-Jubouri’s return to her homeland from exile in Germany, showing her journey through the ruins of Baghdad and interactions with locals — artists, writers, and citizens — who testify about the loss of cultural identity and historical memory. The film also serves as a documentary record and plea for protection of cultural heritage in wartime, responding to international concerns about respect for the Geneva Conventions and the safeguarding of heritage sites.