| The Journey | |
| Director: | Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji |
| Producer: | Isabelle Stead Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji Helene Cases |
| Starring: | Zahraa Ghandour Ameer Jabarah |
| Music: | Mike Kourtzer Fabien Kourtzer |
| Cinematography: | Duraid Munajim |
| Editing: | Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji Pascale Chavance Hervé de Luze |
| Production Companies: | Human Film Iraqi Independent Film Center Lionceau Film |
| Runtime: | 82 minutes |
| Country: | Iraq[1] United Kingdom France Netherlands Qatar |
| Language: | Arabic |
The Journey (ar|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 (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]