The Journey (2017 film)

The Journey (Arabic: الرحلة) is a 2017 Iraqi drama film written and directed by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji. It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.[2] Upon premiering on 1 March 2018 in Iraq, the film became the first Iraqi film in 27 years to be released in the theaters of Iraq.[1] It was selected as the Iraqi entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.[3]

The Journey
Film poster
Directed byMohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Written byMohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Produced byIsabelle Stead
Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Helene Cases
StarringZahraa Ghandour
Ameer Jabarah
CinematographyDuraid Munajim
Edited byMohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Pascale Chavance
Hervé de Luze
Music byMike Kourtzer
Fabien Kourtzer
Production
companies
Human Film
Iraqi Independent Film Center
Lionceau Film
Release dates
  • 7 September 2017 (2017-09-07) (TIFF)
  • 1 March 2018 (2018-03-01) (Iraq)
Running time
82 minutes
CountriesIraq[1]
United Kingdom[1]
France[1]
Netherlands[1]
Qatar
LanguageArabic

Plot summary

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The Journey (Arabic: الرحلة) is a 2017 Iraqi drama film directed by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji. The film is set in Baghdad on December 30, 2006, and follows the story of Sara, a young woman with sinister intentions. She enters Baghdad’s central train station with a plan to commit an unthinkable act – a suicide bombing during the station's reopening ceremony.

Sara's plan is disrupted when she encounters Salam, a confident and flirtatious salesman. This unforeseen encounter complicates her mission, leading to an intense psychological duel between the two characters. Salam becomes a hostage in Sara's confused plan, trying desperately to understand her motives and dissuade her from carrying out the attack.

Throughout the film, Salam's interactions with Sara force her to confront the potential consequences of her actions. He appeals to her humanity, leading to moments of reflection that challenge her resolve. The film delves deep into the psychological dichotomy of a potential suicide bomber, exploring themes of redemption, the impact of violence, and the possibility of change.[4]

The film’s narrative is driven by the tension between Sara's intentions and Salam's efforts to prevent a catastrophe, providing a gripping and emotional exploration of their characters' inner struggles and the chaotic world around them.[5]

Cast

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Saadoun, Mustafa (7 March 2018). "'The Journey': An Iraqi film in Iraqi cinema after 27 years". Al-Monitor. Al-Monitor, LLC. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  2. ^ "Toronto Adds Films From Aaron Sorkin, Louis C.K., Brie Larson". Variety. Variety Media, LLC. 15 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  3. ^ Vivarelli, Nick (12 September 2018). "Iraq Picks Female Suicide Bomber Drama 'The Journey' as Its Oscar Candidate". Variety. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  4. ^ "The Journey Film - Arab Cinema Center Organized by MAD Solutions". acc.film. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  5. ^ "The Journey". Doha Film Institute. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
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