In the Shadow of the Palms (2005)

In the Shadow of the Palms (2005) is a documentary produced and directed by the Australian filmmaker Wayne Coles-Janess. He filmed it in Iraq prior to, during and after the fall of Saddam Hussein after the United States invasion of 2003. An Arab-language film, it documents the changes in Iraqi society and the lives of ordinary Iraqis by focusing on a cross-section of individuals.

Synopsis

In the Shadow of the Palms documents how life was for the society and people living under the Saddam regime after 12 years of United States sanctions. It follows a number of individuals as they prepare for the coalition war against them, continuing to tell their stories during the bombings. The film observed first hand the devastating effects of the extensive bombing campaign on the lives of civilians. The documentary gives the viewer an intimate, character-based insight into Iraqi society.