A Boy, a Bomb, and a Dream: Baghdad Messi

Sahim Omar Kalifa’s 2023 film, Baghdad Messi, transcends the realm of a simple sports drama. It’s a poignant exploration of hope, loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of a war-torn Iraq under US occupation, where football becomes a symbol of normalcy, escape, and unwavering dreams. While not directly based on a true story, the film draws inspiration from the countless real-life experiences of children like Hassan Ali Na’aim (to whom the film is dedicated) growing up in conflict zones, particularly in Iraq, during the years following the US-led invasion. As Aina Randrianatoandro notes in her review for the 10th Duhok International Film Festival, where Baghdad Messi was screened for the first time in Iraq, Kalifa adapted his award-winning short film of the same name into a feature-length production, allowing screenwriter Kobe Van Steenberghe to delve deeper into the characters and their world.

The film centers around Hamoudi, an 11-year-old boy living in Baghdad in 2009, six years into the US occupation. Amidst the escalating sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites and the ever-present threat of bombings, Hamoudi finds escape and solace in his passion for football. For him, football is more than just a game; it’s a lifeline, a source of joy and connection in a world filled with uncertainty and fear. He spends his days honing his skills in dusty streets and makeshift pitches, dreaming of one day reaching the heights of his idol, Lionel Messi, and playing for Barcelona. Kalifa beautifully captures this passion, showcasing Hamoudi’s incredible talent and dedication to the sport through dynamic scenes of him dribbling past his friends, scoring spectacular goals, and celebrating with pure, unadulterated joy.

This dream is tragically shattered when Hamoudi loses a leg in a bomb attack targeting a US security convoy – a chilling reminder of the collateral damage inflicted on innocent civilians. The scene where Hamoudi, lying in a hospital bed, realizes he has lost his leg is heart-wrenching, and the impact of this loss on his spirit is palpable. Football, once his escape, now seems like a cruel reminder of what he has lost.

This incident, as Randrianatoandro observes, is a “triggering incident” that sets in motion a series of “progressive complications” for Hamoudi and his family. Forced to relocate to a rural village for their safety, they face new challenges. Hamoudi struggles with his disability and social isolation amidst children who are initially unwelcoming. He can no longer participate in the games he loves, and his attempts to adapt to his new reality are met with frustration and despair.

However, Hamoudi’s love for football proves to be unbreakable. He finds new ways to engage with the sport, coaching younger children and sharing his knowledge and passion with them. This act of mentorship not only helps him heal but also brings him acceptance and friendship within the village. The film poignantly portrays how football, even in its adapted form, provides a sense of purpose and community for Hamoudi.

Kalifa’s casting of Ahmed Mohammed Abdullah as Hamoudi adds a layer of profound authenticity to the film. As Randrianatoandro highlights, Abdullah himself lost a leg at a young age due to a missile strike, mirroring Hamoudi’s experience. This “thoughtful casting choice” allows Abdullah to portray Hamoudi with “poignant sincerity,” a performance that earned him the Best Actor Award at the Duhok International Film Festival. Interestingly, Abdullah, like Hamoudi, is a huge fan of Messi and even had the opportunity to meet him in Paris in 2023.

Baghdad Messi is a multi-layered story that works on several levels. It’s a family drama that explores the complex dynamics between parents and their child in the face of trauma. Hamoudi’s mother, Salwa, urges him to move on and find new passions, while Kadhim clings to the hope that his son can still achieve his football dream, buying him a television to watch the Champions League, particularly the final between Barcelona and Manchester United. This internal conflict adds depth and nuance to the narrative, highlighting the different ways people cope with loss and adversity.

Beyond the personal, the film is also a powerful social commentary on the devastating impact of war and occupation on ordinary Iraqis. The constant insecurity, the lack of basic amenities, and the psychological toll of living in a fractured society are all vividly portrayed. As Randrianatoandro points out, Kalifa “depicts a war-ravaged Iraq, where insecurity and misery are omnipresent, but where love and solidarity coexist complexly within families.” The film subtly critiques the presence of US forces and the disruption they bring, showcasing military checkpoints and the ever-present threat of violence that hangs over everyday life.

Through Hamoudi’s journey, Kalifa offers a message of hope and resilience. Even when faced with unimaginable loss and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the human spirit can endure, and dreams can find new forms. Baghdad Messi is a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of family and community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the human cost of war and the enduring power of hope embodied in the beautiful game.