COM
For over 20 years, Iraqi TV was dominated by just one familiar, heavily moustached face…They used to say, if your television breaks down, just stick a photo of Saddam on the screen and no one will notice the difference.
Vox pop: If Saddam moved you’d see it on every channelAnd they would keep repeating it
Vox pop: The channel was there to serve Saddam Hussein
Vox pop: Before there wasn’t anything to please the peopleIt was all nationalistic and military songs It made people very depressed
COM
Saddam controlled the only 2 channels in Iraq and put a complete ban on satellite TV…Which of course meant he was the only TV star in the land.
COM
But since Iraq’s number one ‘celebrity’ got evicted… Baghdad’s become the place where opportunity knocks!
COM
Majed Yassin, is ‘new’ Iraq’s biggest home grown celeb.
Guy on street: ‘My sisters’ crazy about you.’
Majed: ‘What?’
Guy on street: ‘My sister, my sister’
Majed:Your sister is crazy about me! Thank you! I am grateful
COM
For a nation that’s not had a lot of laughs recently, Majed’s slapstick humour and boisterous style has turned him into a much needed comedy hero.
Policeman:‘You bring us so much laughterYour programs are great’
Majed: Thank you This is a blessing from God
COM
At 15 Majed was just a street hustler, selling fruit, a natural joker with dreams of being on stage, he decided to join the ranks of Iraqi struggling actors.But when satellite TV arrived - his career really took off.
Majed: There’s plenty of TV work since satellite channels opened their doors So it’s much better for us actors now
COM
Actors used to earn a fixed wage of around $100 a month, the same as a teacher, when Saddam was in charge. Now they negotiate a fee per show, which means a star like Majed earned $15,000 in one month alone. Making him one of Iraq’s top earners.
Majed:It’s a gift from god that people like meIt makes things a lot easier.
COM
But Majed’s not the only one making it big in Baghdad.
COM
One of the few female personalities to shine in this new world of Iraqi television is Shaima Zubeir.
Woman: Shaima’s very dear to us. We know her from Iraqi TV after the war I’m glad we have an Iraqi woman like her
Shaima: A presenter is no longer just in the studio wearing formal clothes. People now see them sitting, eating drinking and being natural
COM
Shaima was a successful studio presenter on Saddam’s state run TV, but since the satellite revolution she’s become the Oprah of Iraq.
Shaima: I went into a shop to buy clothes And there was a mother and her daughter. The mother and daughter are fans of yours truly‘Poor God’s slave’The child came and touched the hem of my jacket and rubbed it a bit. And then she looked at her Mum and said “Look Mum, she’s real”
COM
For years Iraqi’s were trapped in the dark ages, desperate to watch what everyone else was watching. So just when Saddam was ousted, the new TV entrepreneurs were poised to make a killing.
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 1: In the beginning the sale was about ripping people off We had a few armed men and we would sell to the people
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 2: There were 4 of us serving and we couldn’t keep up. We barely had time for lunch and we wouldn’t eat until 4.00pm. Too many people, thank God
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 1: A Satellite was something new and strange. So they would buy it for any price If the price was a $100 they’d even buy it for $400.
COM
The punters may have been ripped off … but as long as they could get a dish they didn’t seem to mind.
Drama school Girls
Girl 1: For me it was directly after the fall of the regime One day the regime fell, the next day we had a satellite at homeThe feeling at first was overwhelming Because we had never had this thing before
COM
As soon as Iraqis got home and plugged in their new satellite equipment, shows from across the Arab world flooded into their homes.
VOX POP
3 For the family it changed from complete darkness to complete light
COM
They got everything from Lebanese dancing girls… to badly dubbed South American soaps.
Mexican soap:Woman:
Did you fall in love with that woman?Man: Yes – I won’t lie to you I love Salome
COM
These shows may have given Iraqis a fascinating glimpse of the outside world … but they just didn’t connect with the Iraqi public.Only 6 months after the fall of Saddam more than 10 new channels had sprung up … but they were all doing the same thing - news and current affairs.
Vox pop:
I like what most people like. Entertainment programmes and traditional old songs
COM
Then in 2004 Iraqi producers finally worked out what television was created for.
COM
With the launch of Iraq’s first specialist entertainment channels, Al Sharqiya and Alsumaria, Iraqi viewers could at last feast upon home grown soap operas, game shows, and of course reality TV. Now the hit is their own Pop Idol inspired show – Iraq star - devoted to traditional Iraqi music.
COM
For TV wannabees Baghdad has become a promised land of work and opportunity …… trapped in the middle of a war zone.
Shaima:
We all have our pains that we are dealing withAnd to be honest the list of names in the mobile Gets deleted one by one each dayWe lose people in assassinations,in explosions, in booby traps So we eat and drink with death but we still go out and work.
Com
It’s the day of the semi final of Iraq’s most popular reality TV show – Iraq Star
Marwa:
I still have to get dressed
Com
18 year old Marwa Ahmad has beaten off stiff competition from over 700 Iraqi hopefuls to make it to the final 16.
Mother:
Don’t sing other songs in case you forget the song you were practising
Marwa:
In the first stages I was much more nervousWhen I was trying to get over my stage fright
Marwa:
What beauty and colour co-ordination
COM
Marwa lives in one of the poorest neighbourhood’s in Baghdad, with her parents, sister and 2 brothers. Her father is a part time builder, and the money’s tight at home. But they’ve all make big sacrifices, and they’ve already forked out over 2 months pay in travel and expenses, and new outfits, so that Marwa can become a star.
Marwa:
Iraq Star is a real opportunity for meAnd if, God willing, I make it to the finalI can leave Baghdad and visit BeirutThis will make me even happier
COM
Marwa’s hoping to go to Beirut because it’s been chosen to host the Iraq Star final. As Baghdad is still far too dangerous.With daily gun, bomb and suicide attacks over 50 civilians are killed here every week.
Khalil: Hello
Soldier:Hello
Khalil:How are you? I hope you’re well
Soldier:Thank God I am
Khalil:We are filming
Soldier: What channel?
Khalil: Alsumaria
COM
Even commuting to work for one of the Judges of Iraq Star’s judges is never easy – and these guys are just the Police.
Khalil: These problems don’t just happen to me But also to everyone of my colleagues
COM
Khalil Ibrahim is a wealthy musician and composer who takes the current security problems all in his stride.
Khalil: Nothing will happen to us that God has not written for usSo a human being must work and carry onAnd life goes on
Walid:Very nice day
COM
While most Iraqis struggle to find work, actors are now busier than ever. Walid Shamel Al Douri a drama teacher at Baghdad University, has even come out of retirement to revive his acting career. But all this extra work is putting him at risk.
Walid I have this mixed feeling really, because the moment I take my car and go to the street, this street is closed, the other one is checkpoint, and here is a bombing, and there.. what the hell! Why are you doing this! For what? I don’t need that!
Walid Yesterday at about 8.30, a car bomb, close to my house, where I took the taxi. I think four died. And I think 6 injured. It’s hard, very hard. Very very hard.
Walid But when you arrive to the location, then, wow! That’s wonderful!
Walid: We are here, away from reality, this is the illusion of reality, and we are acting and we are enjoying ourselves. No matter what, yes! No matter what! (starts singing: No matter what what what what…)
Walid: The result is rewarding. Besides, you make some extra money.
Walid: I’m ready, I’m ready, coming. I’m just
Walid:You’ve been changing for 2 hours
COM
Walid plays the good Samaritan character in Colours of Ash, a soap opera with the usual love, lies and betrayal, but all set in the bloody world of post-Saddam Iraq.
Walid: The Iraqi people prefer the local work, because it touch their life and touch their feelings; so I think this help, to regain the good spirit of Iraqi people, and the good nature of human being in Iraq, away from killing, and bombing and blood and all this.
COM
What’s really helped establish these new TV shows is the curfew imposed across the country. There’s now a massive captive audience stuck at home every night with little to do but watch TV.And one of the hits of the year is ‘Win with Majed’. In this uncomplicated game show, comedy favourite Majed ventures out onto the streets to ask random punters general knowledge questions. If they get them right, he gives them a prize.
Majed: I always make it easy for the contestant to win I give him the answer
Majed: What is an “argileh” called in English?Woman:Hubble bubbleMajed: Oh!! Yes !! Yes!! Ah! Very good!!
Majed: I tell him, we came to you we felt you deserved it And we have many gifts in the car God Almighty sent us to you
Voice off camera: Majed
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Having been cast as the father Christmas of Baghdad, Majed’s fans often expect rather more than just an autograph.
Old Woman:You should come here and give us presentsLike you do on TV
Majed: Here’s a thousand dinars
Voice: Majed we want to take a photo of you
Majed: Thank you all very muchGod bless you
Com
Marwa, her mother and sister have made it through the check points and arrived safely at the Iraq Star recording.The program’s being shot in an abandoned hotel that’s been renovated for the show.Khalil has also arrived in one piece and is getting down to business.
Khalil:
It kills and it’s boringMake it shorter
COM
The competition started over 6 months ago with open auditions in Baghdad, but of the 700 Iraqi’s who entered only 9 were women.
Khalil: We had hoped that there would be more female voices. But due to difficulties we have here Not many girls entered. Marwa is one of those girls we call courageousShe’s very talented and has great potential
Khalil: Give it more gustoRepeat it darling
COM
Even in this new Iraq women still have to be careful if they’re going on TV.
Marwa: I do my best to wear clothes that are acceptable For example long skirts or long-sleeved shirts
Hussam: Have you ever worn the hejab?
Marwa: Yes I have worn the hejab. I wear it when I go to school of course But out of fear more than anything else. I’m afraid of certain people whomight have bad intentions
COM
Contestants are encouraged to perform traditional Iraqi songs.They’re judged by 5 of the countries most successful musicians and composers… Including Iraq’s very own Mr Nasty.
Clip 1Mo Hadi: Are you planning on standing there until you decide what to sing?
Clip 2Mo Hadi: When Ahmad sings he drifts away and he forgets he is singing And he doesn’t know what he’s doing
Mo Hadi: Well I need to find a picture of this Simon Cowell guyI don’t know who he is but apparently we are similar Because we are both tough on the contestants. So it’s about tough love I’m tough with them because I want them to do their best
Mo Hadi:You should all sing beautifully and don’t be nervous
COM
While rehearsals for Iraq star are going to plan, across town the filming of Colours of Ash has hit the buffers.
Walid: We are waiting for the generator. No light now, except the light of the camera. So, we wait, and wait, all our life, is waiting, for Godot!
COM
Electricity is heavily rationed so anyone with money buys a generator, but they’re notoriously temperamental.
COM
The show’s also been hit by a far more sinister problem.
Walid: One of the actors in this production been arrested a week ago, and we don’t know yet what happened, so I think our schedule is chaos
Director: We are trying to work around it until he is released But will they release him or not? I don’t really know
Walid: Any one can be arrested, yes! Because the situation is not normal, and the security situation is not normal, so we, everyone, you know there is a proverb, we are really working under the gun. We sometimes use this expression, but here we are working under the gun; But I think living on the edge also has some excitement, some challenge, that’s what I believe.
COM
With preparations complete, the Iraq Star semi final is ready to record.Marwa’s Father has left work early and made it to the studio just in time to join the rest of the family and see his daughter sing.
Marwa’s Mum: She’s always nervous before rehearsals Nervous about going on the stage and all the build up. So we didn’t sleep last night.
COM Throughout the competition Marwa has battled with stage fright.Today, for the first time, she has got to face the added challenge of performing in front of a live audience.
Mo Hadi:Marwa has a beautiful voice. But when she stands in front of the audience and the camera She doesn’t do so well It’s a mystery to me
MARWA PERFORMANCE
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Just like in Pop Idol the Judges are ready and waiting to pounce.
Mohammad Hadi: Today when Marwa sang the feeling was incomplete She wasn’t concentrating She was more worried about the band and the rhythm than the words
Judge: The choice of these two songs was extremely unsuccessfulIn places she didn’t reach the right tone
Ahmad Ne’ma: But as Marwa is the last girl left we say ‘hurrah’ for her
COM
It’s the first time Marwa’s received such a slating from the panel … so will she be picked or have her dreams shattered and be dumped out of the competition.
COM
It’s decision time for Marwa on Iraq Star. The judges have to choose 4 contestants who will face a public phone vote to get to the final…… and there’s just one place left.
Judge: And the fourth person chosen from tonight’s show Marwa Ahmed
Dad: I feel very happy
Voice Off Camera: Do you think you will make it to the final in Beirut?
Marwa: That’s up to the audienceIt’s a choice they’ll make by text votingHopefully I’ll make it, God willing
COM
The fact that the Iraqi media has jumped on the Reality TV bandwagon is not everyone’s idea of progress… However some of these shows not only confront the new reality here but do something about it.
Shaima: With satellite TV Iraqi homes were opened up to the media People began to find out that the camera Can have a positive rather than negative relationship with the people
COM
In 2004, Shaima Zubeir, the Oprah of Iraq, was asked to present a reality show which would change the country.The head of Iraq’s top entertainment channel demanded a property makeover programme but with a unique difference.All the houses they feature have been bombed.
Shaima: When he first told me of the idea I thought he was jokingI didn’t expect it to become a reality
COM
The show came about because no one wanted to take responsibility for rebuilding the homes that were destroyed when the occupying forces invaded Iraq.
Shaima: The Americans came, found a truck full of explosives and detonated it The result was the destruction of an entire neighbourhood
Umm Hussein: The disaster with the house has really broken me
Shaima: No one compensated them or gave them any attention The American authorities referred them to the Iraqi authorities and visa versa. Finally they were told We have nothing to do with whatever happened to you after the entry of US forces
COM
It was left to reality TV, and its first lady, to rebuild some of these houses and restore the families home.
Ali Hannoun: Now I invite Shaima to give the house keysOn behalf of Al Sharqiya to Mrs Umm Hussein
Man:I can say that the true Iraqi spiritIs embodied in this place. These are tears of happiness I give them as a gift to all Iraqis
COM
Today Shaima is filming the first episode in the next series of ‘Labour and Materials’. This time they’ve decided to repair and renovate homes in neglected regions of Iraq, rather than only choosing houses that were bombed.
Shaima: The choice is difficult You get heartache because you feel that they are all in need
COM
Shaima and her crew are on their way to Sadr City, a suburb of Baghdad devastated by war and depravation.
Shaima: This city is one of the poorest in IraqDespite the fact that it’s floating on a lake of oil
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Sadr city is a traditional Shia strong hold under the control of the radical cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and his militia. The Americans gave up regular patrols here months ago.
Shaima: Nobody ever came to these people before They were hidden away for many years
COM
While filming in these locations is clearly a risk…it’s one the director Ali Hannoun thinks is well worth taking.
Ali Hannoun: This programme is very, very, very important.In the rest of the world Reality TV is a kind of entertainmentBut our show expresses a kind of burning painWe are dealing with broken cities and destitute people. So this is Reality TV with the flavour of Iraqi pain
COM
This stricken community suffered the bloodiest single incident since the invasion.During a mass pilgrimage to a Baghdad Shrine rumours of suicide bombers spread through the crowd and created a devastating panic. 800 people died in the resulting panic.This family lost their eldest son.
Shaima:Who did your son go to the mosque with?
Mother:He went on his own with the neighbours
Mother: They found him on the bridge crushed with his bones broken
COM
Shaima is visiting the victims’ families to decide which one will have their house renovated by her team.
Ali Hannoun: The occupying forces don’t care about such things And I imagine the last thing on their agenda Is to come to an area like this and build a house
COM
Back in the centre of Baghdad the filming of soap opera ‘Colours of Ash’ is in chaos. The producers are still trying to establish what happened to their actor and if he will be released.
It appears there was an accident, explosion or gunshots So the army and security forces pick up everyone who was there And take them away for investigation. Actually this is the first time an incident like this has happened Of course incidents have happened to other colleagues, just like they do to Iraqis in the street. The art director of a series that I acted in, and was screened during Ramadan was killed. He was killed by the American forces, by the Allied forces, he was killed by mistake.
COM
During these difficult times most Iraqi’s keep their travel to a minimum. Commuting is dangerous enough, but regular filming on location is putting your life on the line.
Shaima: Because I work for the peopleAn injustice to me is one to the whole Iraqi nationSo if you hurt me you lose the respect of the people
COM
Shaima’s crew includes 2 armed bodyguards. But as a respected TV personality, and a single mother with a 5 year old son, she doesn’t need to take these kinds of risks.
Ali Hannoun: She’s a strong and courageous woman and we need courage I’m sure many of our female colleagues wouldn’t dare to come to these areas of the country. Shaima is a man and a woman
Shaima: The cameraman is like a magnet for bullets. He takes more risks than anyone else. Sometimes there are situations where I can’t go myself but he has to filmAnd they are such young men. They’re taking their lives in their hands
Shaima: We must make the most of what we’ve got We’ve got to do as much good as we canTo be a role model to encourage people to do the sameThat is the only was you can serve your country
COM
It’s been a week since Marwa’s performance on Iraq Star was shown across the country.
Marwa: My heart is going to stop
COM
All week the show’s been receiving text votes from the public to determine which two contestants will get to the final.
Marwa:I am afraid of being betrayed by the voteI know my friends, our relatives and my teachers are with me Even my English teacher said Marwa…All my family encourage you and we’re voting for you
Dad: I am worried right now. The results aren’t out yet and we’re on tenterhooks.
COM
To give herself the best chance of making the final Marwa has spent a small fortune voting for herself.
Mom:I asked her how many texts you’ve sent so far and she told me to get lost
COM
The family have spent the rest of their savings, over a $100, about 2 weeks pay, on phone cards.
Hussam: It went over $50?
Marwa: Of course it went over 50I’ve been texting for an hour
Hussam:Then you must have won thenI swear you’ve already won
Mom: The TV channel has driven her to gambling
COM
While Iraq star is successfully getting the public hooked on the show it also has other ambitions.For years traditional Iraqi music was neglected and the archive that had kept it alive was destroyed when the state broadcaster was bombed in 2003.
Khalil : The task of these voices is to document these songs. And record them with our orchestra in order to save them I’m always being told. Shots of family watching TV.'You have revived the beautiful Iraqi songs in this programme’
Marwa: Now when they say “One, get ready… ““Two, get set… “and “Three…”
Marwa: The results, the results
COM
With all the votes in from the public, the show’s about to reveal who will be going to that final in Beirut.
Marwa: I don’t understand
Mom: Those are the votes – you got 11%
Dad: All our friends said they would vote. What is the reason for this 11%? 11% - it’s impossible
Mom: You’d expect as she’s the only girl she would have gone through.
COM
Marwa just can’t believe it, and she’s looking for someone to blame.
Marwa: They got me out, I didn’t just lose many people voted for meI swear to God they’re liars
COM
While reality TV is flourishing in Iraq, the celebrity circuit has yet to take off. Instead famous faces get invited to the only big parties that still take place - weddings.Iraq’s favourite comedy actor, Majed Yassin, is never short of an invitation.
Majed: I hope you are the next to get married
COM
Although he spends most of his days just clowning around, Majed’s shows are certainly breaking taboos and changing how Iraqis see themselves.
Majed: 10 minutes and I’ll be there… if any explosions happen just pray for me
COM
Majed is on his way to rehearsals for a show that, under Saddam, could have cost him his life.
Majed: It’s a program which is open and honestWe criticise things which exist In our dear country. We talk about people’s sufferings. We express their feelings and their tragedies. We then present it to those in power in a comic way
COM
In June 2004 the Al Sharqiya channel started broadcasting Iraq’s first ever political, satire show - Caricature.
Majed: Where’s sir? Where’s the director?
COM
Remember Ali Hannoun the director re building houses? Well he’s behind this show too.
Ali Jaber:Thank God you’re safe
Ali Hannoun: After the recent events in Iraq and the recent development in the country. It became possible to criticise and say what you think without fear
COM
So nothing’s safe from ridicule by Caricature, particularly Iraqi authority figures, old and new.
Majed:Where do you think you guys are going?
Guns, Saddam’s moustache, Americans, they’re all targets.
Majed: Didn’t you see me standing here? Me and my moustache? Didn’t you see the gun?
Bushra: We’re coming to visit someone.Majed: Who?Bushra: My sister
Saad: Her sister is pregnant.
Ali Hannoun:The average Iraqi can’t always make himself heard in the mediaHe can’t always make himself heard to those in power
Majed: How dare you talk to me like that? Why are you shouting at me while I’m on dutyIf it was an American soldier would you dare to speak to him like that
Ali Hannoun: The aim is to be the voice that magnifies the whispers of the Iraqi street
COM
Nowadays with Caricature here, even the powerful and corrupt can’t just throw their weight around.
Ali: I brought some people who will teach you a lessonAnd teach you how to speak to the governor’s brother
Majed: If any of you come near me I’ll shoot you
Ali Jaber: As we say instead of going to the police headquarters. Just go to the ‘Caricature’ team and report your problem and they will criticise the situation for you
Majed:Do you think I can’t take you on
Majed: Since there is freedom and democracy. Being a man of the media you must play A direct and central role in the service of the public. That’s why you represent situations empathising with people’s suffering. But it must be done in a comic way. Because our aim is to make everyone happy
COM
Across town things are still off color on the set of Colors of Ash.Filming has resumed following the arrest of their actor but the entire script has had to be reworked and scenes re-shot.Walid and the rest of the cast and crew have been told their colleague will not be released and will now be charged as a insurgent.
Walid: They say he involved in some criminal activities.That’s a shock, shock for me. So I don’t know, I am really worry about, is he really, is he really done things like that, I don’t know.
COM
In a bizarre twist of fate, it’s rumoured the actor may now appear on another Iraqi Reality TV show; Terrorism In the Hands of Justice. This series made by the government run Iraqiya channel shows alleged insurgent apparently confessing. It’s been condemned by human rights groups abroad, but it’s a ratings winner here. After they’ve appeared, the stars of the show become very hard to track down.
Com
Just when she thought her shot at stardom had been blown away Marwa’s dreams have come true. She’s been handed a wild card, as the most successful woman on the show she’s made it to the Beirut final of Iraq Star.
We dream our nation. Becomes a paradise. And a garden of roses. The fire of war will be overAnd the past will never be repeated
COM
In the end, Marwa didn’t win, but she’s been signed up to become a new face at the channel … and a record deal is now in sight.
For over 20 years, Iraqi TV was dominated by just one familiar, heavily moustached face…They used to say, if your television breaks down, just stick a photo of Saddam on the screen and no one will notice the difference.
Vox pop: If Saddam moved you’d see it on every channelAnd they would keep repeating it
Vox pop: The channel was there to serve Saddam Hussein
Vox pop: Before there wasn’t anything to please the peopleIt was all nationalistic and military songs It made people very depressed
COM
Saddam controlled the only 2 channels in Iraq and put a complete ban on satellite TV…Which of course meant he was the only TV star in the land.
COM
But since Iraq’s number one ‘celebrity’ got evicted… Baghdad’s become the place where opportunity knocks!
COM
Majed Yassin, is ‘new’ Iraq’s biggest home grown celeb.
Guy on street: ‘My sisters’ crazy about you.’
Majed: ‘What?’
Guy on street: ‘My sister, my sister’
Majed:Your sister is crazy about me! Thank you! I am grateful
COM
For a nation that’s not had a lot of laughs recently, Majed’s slapstick humour and boisterous style has turned him into a much needed comedy hero.
Policeman:‘You bring us so much laughterYour programs are great’
Majed: Thank you This is a blessing from God
COM
At 15 Majed was just a street hustler, selling fruit, a natural joker with dreams of being on stage, he decided to join the ranks of Iraqi struggling actors.But when satellite TV arrived - his career really took off.
Majed: There’s plenty of TV work since satellite channels opened their doors So it’s much better for us actors now
COM
Actors used to earn a fixed wage of around $100 a month, the same as a teacher, when Saddam was in charge. Now they negotiate a fee per show, which means a star like Majed earned $15,000 in one month alone. Making him one of Iraq’s top earners.
Majed:It’s a gift from god that people like meIt makes things a lot easier.
COM
But Majed’s not the only one making it big in Baghdad.
COM
One of the few female personalities to shine in this new world of Iraqi television is Shaima Zubeir.
Woman: Shaima’s very dear to us. We know her from Iraqi TV after the war I’m glad we have an Iraqi woman like her
Shaima: A presenter is no longer just in the studio wearing formal clothes. People now see them sitting, eating drinking and being natural
COM
Shaima was a successful studio presenter on Saddam’s state run TV, but since the satellite revolution she’s become the Oprah of Iraq.
Shaima: I went into a shop to buy clothes And there was a mother and her daughter. The mother and daughter are fans of yours truly‘Poor God’s slave’The child came and touched the hem of my jacket and rubbed it a bit. And then she looked at her Mum and said “Look Mum, she’s real”
COM
For years Iraqi’s were trapped in the dark ages, desperate to watch what everyone else was watching. So just when Saddam was ousted, the new TV entrepreneurs were poised to make a killing.
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 1: In the beginning the sale was about ripping people off We had a few armed men and we would sell to the people
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 2: There were 4 of us serving and we couldn’t keep up. We barely had time for lunch and we wouldn’t eat until 4.00pm. Too many people, thank God
Mr. TV Entrepreneur 1: A Satellite was something new and strange. So they would buy it for any price If the price was a $100 they’d even buy it for $400.
COM
The punters may have been ripped off … but as long as they could get a dish they didn’t seem to mind.
Drama school Girls
Girl 1: For me it was directly after the fall of the regime One day the regime fell, the next day we had a satellite at homeThe feeling at first was overwhelming Because we had never had this thing before
COM
As soon as Iraqis got home and plugged in their new satellite equipment, shows from across the Arab world flooded into their homes.
VOX POP
3 For the family it changed from complete darkness to complete light
COM
They got everything from Lebanese dancing girls… to badly dubbed South American soaps.
Mexican soap:Woman:
Did you fall in love with that woman?Man: Yes – I won’t lie to you I love Salome
COM
These shows may have given Iraqis a fascinating glimpse of the outside world … but they just didn’t connect with the Iraqi public.Only 6 months after the fall of Saddam more than 10 new channels had sprung up … but they were all doing the same thing - news and current affairs.
Vox pop:
I like what most people like. Entertainment programmes and traditional old songs
COM
Then in 2004 Iraqi producers finally worked out what television was created for.
COM
With the launch of Iraq’s first specialist entertainment channels, Al Sharqiya and Alsumaria, Iraqi viewers could at last feast upon home grown soap operas, game shows, and of course reality TV. Now the hit is their own Pop Idol inspired show – Iraq star - devoted to traditional Iraqi music.
COM
For TV wannabees Baghdad has become a promised land of work and opportunity …… trapped in the middle of a war zone.
Shaima:
We all have our pains that we are dealing withAnd to be honest the list of names in the mobile Gets deleted one by one each dayWe lose people in assassinations,in explosions, in booby traps So we eat and drink with death but we still go out and work.
Com
It’s the day of the semi final of Iraq’s most popular reality TV show – Iraq Star
Marwa:
I still have to get dressed
Com
18 year old Marwa Ahmad has beaten off stiff competition from over 700 Iraqi hopefuls to make it to the final 16.
Mother:
Don’t sing other songs in case you forget the song you were practising
Marwa:
In the first stages I was much more nervousWhen I was trying to get over my stage fright
Marwa:
What beauty and colour co-ordination
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Marwa lives in one of the poorest neighbourhood’s in Baghdad, with her parents, sister and 2 brothers. Her father is a part time builder, and the money’s tight at home. But they’ve all make big sacrifices, and they’ve already forked out over 2 months pay in travel and expenses, and new outfits, so that Marwa can become a star.
Marwa:
Iraq Star is a real opportunity for meAnd if, God willing, I make it to the finalI can leave Baghdad and visit BeirutThis will make me even happier
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Marwa’s hoping to go to Beirut because it’s been chosen to host the Iraq Star final. As Baghdad is still far too dangerous.With daily gun, bomb and suicide attacks over 50 civilians are killed here every week.
Khalil: Hello
Soldier:Hello
Khalil:How are you? I hope you’re well
Soldier:Thank God I am
Khalil:We are filming
Soldier: What channel?
Khalil: Alsumaria
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Even commuting to work for one of the Judges of Iraq Star’s judges is never easy – and these guys are just the Police.
Khalil: These problems don’t just happen to me But also to everyone of my colleagues
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Khalil Ibrahim is a wealthy musician and composer who takes the current security problems all in his stride.
Khalil: Nothing will happen to us that God has not written for usSo a human being must work and carry onAnd life goes on
Walid:Very nice day
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While most Iraqis struggle to find work, actors are now busier than ever. Walid Shamel Al Douri a drama teacher at Baghdad University, has even come out of retirement to revive his acting career. But all this extra work is putting him at risk.
Walid I have this mixed feeling really, because the moment I take my car and go to the street, this street is closed, the other one is checkpoint, and here is a bombing, and there.. what the hell! Why are you doing this! For what? I don’t need that!
Walid Yesterday at about 8.30, a car bomb, close to my house, where I took the taxi. I think four died. And I think 6 injured. It’s hard, very hard. Very very hard.
Walid But when you arrive to the location, then, wow! That’s wonderful!
Walid: We are here, away from reality, this is the illusion of reality, and we are acting and we are enjoying ourselves. No matter what, yes! No matter what! (starts singing: No matter what what what what…)
Walid: The result is rewarding. Besides, you make some extra money.
Walid: I’m ready, I’m ready, coming. I’m just
Walid:You’ve been changing for 2 hours
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Walid plays the good Samaritan character in Colours of Ash, a soap opera with the usual love, lies and betrayal, but all set in the bloody world of post-Saddam Iraq.
Walid: The Iraqi people prefer the local work, because it touch their life and touch their feelings; so I think this help, to regain the good spirit of Iraqi people, and the good nature of human being in Iraq, away from killing, and bombing and blood and all this.
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What’s really helped establish these new TV shows is the curfew imposed across the country. There’s now a massive captive audience stuck at home every night with little to do but watch TV.And one of the hits of the year is ‘Win with Majed’. In this uncomplicated game show, comedy favourite Majed ventures out onto the streets to ask random punters general knowledge questions. If they get them right, he gives them a prize.
Majed: I always make it easy for the contestant to win I give him the answer
Majed: What is an “argileh” called in English?Woman:Hubble bubbleMajed: Oh!! Yes !! Yes!! Ah! Very good!!
Majed: I tell him, we came to you we felt you deserved it And we have many gifts in the car God Almighty sent us to you
Voice off camera: Majed
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Having been cast as the father Christmas of Baghdad, Majed’s fans often expect rather more than just an autograph.
Old Woman:You should come here and give us presentsLike you do on TV
Majed: Here’s a thousand dinars
Voice: Majed we want to take a photo of you
Majed: Thank you all very muchGod bless you
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Marwa, her mother and sister have made it through the check points and arrived safely at the Iraq Star recording.The program’s being shot in an abandoned hotel that’s been renovated for the show.Khalil has also arrived in one piece and is getting down to business.
Khalil:
It kills and it’s boringMake it shorter
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The competition started over 6 months ago with open auditions in Baghdad, but of the 700 Iraqi’s who entered only 9 were women.
Khalil: We had hoped that there would be more female voices. But due to difficulties we have here Not many girls entered. Marwa is one of those girls we call courageousShe’s very talented and has great potential
Khalil: Give it more gustoRepeat it darling
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Even in this new Iraq women still have to be careful if they’re going on TV.
Marwa: I do my best to wear clothes that are acceptable For example long skirts or long-sleeved shirts
Hussam: Have you ever worn the hejab?
Marwa: Yes I have worn the hejab. I wear it when I go to school of course But out of fear more than anything else. I’m afraid of certain people whomight have bad intentions
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Contestants are encouraged to perform traditional Iraqi songs.They’re judged by 5 of the countries most successful musicians and composers… Including Iraq’s very own Mr Nasty.
Clip 1Mo Hadi: Are you planning on standing there until you decide what to sing?
Clip 2Mo Hadi: When Ahmad sings he drifts away and he forgets he is singing And he doesn’t know what he’s doing
Mo Hadi: Well I need to find a picture of this Simon Cowell guyI don’t know who he is but apparently we are similar Because we are both tough on the contestants. So it’s about tough love I’m tough with them because I want them to do their best
Mo Hadi:You should all sing beautifully and don’t be nervous
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While rehearsals for Iraq star are going to plan, across town the filming of Colours of Ash has hit the buffers.
Walid: We are waiting for the generator. No light now, except the light of the camera. So, we wait, and wait, all our life, is waiting, for Godot!
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Electricity is heavily rationed so anyone with money buys a generator, but they’re notoriously temperamental.
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The show’s also been hit by a far more sinister problem.
Walid: One of the actors in this production been arrested a week ago, and we don’t know yet what happened, so I think our schedule is chaos
Director: We are trying to work around it until he is released But will they release him or not? I don’t really know
Walid: Any one can be arrested, yes! Because the situation is not normal, and the security situation is not normal, so we, everyone, you know there is a proverb, we are really working under the gun. We sometimes use this expression, but here we are working under the gun; But I think living on the edge also has some excitement, some challenge, that’s what I believe.
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With preparations complete, the Iraq Star semi final is ready to record.Marwa’s Father has left work early and made it to the studio just in time to join the rest of the family and see his daughter sing.
Marwa’s Mum: She’s always nervous before rehearsals Nervous about going on the stage and all the build up. So we didn’t sleep last night.
COM Throughout the competition Marwa has battled with stage fright.Today, for the first time, she has got to face the added challenge of performing in front of a live audience.
Mo Hadi:Marwa has a beautiful voice. But when she stands in front of the audience and the camera She doesn’t do so well It’s a mystery to me
MARWA PERFORMANCE
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Just like in Pop Idol the Judges are ready and waiting to pounce.
Mohammad Hadi: Today when Marwa sang the feeling was incomplete She wasn’t concentrating She was more worried about the band and the rhythm than the words
Judge: The choice of these two songs was extremely unsuccessfulIn places she didn’t reach the right tone
Ahmad Ne’ma: But as Marwa is the last girl left we say ‘hurrah’ for her
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It’s the first time Marwa’s received such a slating from the panel … so will she be picked or have her dreams shattered and be dumped out of the competition.
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It’s decision time for Marwa on Iraq Star. The judges have to choose 4 contestants who will face a public phone vote to get to the final…… and there’s just one place left.
Judge: And the fourth person chosen from tonight’s show Marwa Ahmed
Dad: I feel very happy
Voice Off Camera: Do you think you will make it to the final in Beirut?
Marwa: That’s up to the audienceIt’s a choice they’ll make by text votingHopefully I’ll make it, God willing
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The fact that the Iraqi media has jumped on the Reality TV bandwagon is not everyone’s idea of progress… However some of these shows not only confront the new reality here but do something about it.
Shaima: With satellite TV Iraqi homes were opened up to the media People began to find out that the camera Can have a positive rather than negative relationship with the people
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In 2004, Shaima Zubeir, the Oprah of Iraq, was asked to present a reality show which would change the country.The head of Iraq’s top entertainment channel demanded a property makeover programme but with a unique difference.All the houses they feature have been bombed.
Shaima: When he first told me of the idea I thought he was jokingI didn’t expect it to become a reality
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The show came about because no one wanted to take responsibility for rebuilding the homes that were destroyed when the occupying forces invaded Iraq.
Shaima: The Americans came, found a truck full of explosives and detonated it The result was the destruction of an entire neighbourhood
Umm Hussein: The disaster with the house has really broken me
Shaima: No one compensated them or gave them any attention The American authorities referred them to the Iraqi authorities and visa versa. Finally they were told We have nothing to do with whatever happened to you after the entry of US forces
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It was left to reality TV, and its first lady, to rebuild some of these houses and restore the families home.
Ali Hannoun: Now I invite Shaima to give the house keysOn behalf of Al Sharqiya to Mrs Umm Hussein
Man:I can say that the true Iraqi spiritIs embodied in this place. These are tears of happiness I give them as a gift to all Iraqis
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Today Shaima is filming the first episode in the next series of ‘Labour and Materials’. This time they’ve decided to repair and renovate homes in neglected regions of Iraq, rather than only choosing houses that were bombed.
Shaima: The choice is difficult You get heartache because you feel that they are all in need
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Shaima and her crew are on their way to Sadr City, a suburb of Baghdad devastated by war and depravation.
Shaima: This city is one of the poorest in IraqDespite the fact that it’s floating on a lake of oil
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Sadr city is a traditional Shia strong hold under the control of the radical cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and his militia. The Americans gave up regular patrols here months ago.
Shaima: Nobody ever came to these people before They were hidden away for many years
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While filming in these locations is clearly a risk…it’s one the director Ali Hannoun thinks is well worth taking.
Ali Hannoun: This programme is very, very, very important.In the rest of the world Reality TV is a kind of entertainmentBut our show expresses a kind of burning painWe are dealing with broken cities and destitute people. So this is Reality TV with the flavour of Iraqi pain
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This stricken community suffered the bloodiest single incident since the invasion.During a mass pilgrimage to a Baghdad Shrine rumours of suicide bombers spread through the crowd and created a devastating panic. 800 people died in the resulting panic.This family lost their eldest son.
Shaima:Who did your son go to the mosque with?
Mother:He went on his own with the neighbours
Mother: They found him on the bridge crushed with his bones broken
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Shaima is visiting the victims’ families to decide which one will have their house renovated by her team.
Ali Hannoun: The occupying forces don’t care about such things And I imagine the last thing on their agenda Is to come to an area like this and build a house
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Back in the centre of Baghdad the filming of soap opera ‘Colours of Ash’ is in chaos. The producers are still trying to establish what happened to their actor and if he will be released.
It appears there was an accident, explosion or gunshots So the army and security forces pick up everyone who was there And take them away for investigation. Actually this is the first time an incident like this has happened Of course incidents have happened to other colleagues, just like they do to Iraqis in the street. The art director of a series that I acted in, and was screened during Ramadan was killed. He was killed by the American forces, by the Allied forces, he was killed by mistake.
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During these difficult times most Iraqi’s keep their travel to a minimum. Commuting is dangerous enough, but regular filming on location is putting your life on the line.
Shaima: Because I work for the peopleAn injustice to me is one to the whole Iraqi nationSo if you hurt me you lose the respect of the people
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Shaima’s crew includes 2 armed bodyguards. But as a respected TV personality, and a single mother with a 5 year old son, she doesn’t need to take these kinds of risks.
Ali Hannoun: She’s a strong and courageous woman and we need courage I’m sure many of our female colleagues wouldn’t dare to come to these areas of the country. Shaima is a man and a woman
Shaima: The cameraman is like a magnet for bullets. He takes more risks than anyone else. Sometimes there are situations where I can’t go myself but he has to filmAnd they are such young men. They’re taking their lives in their hands
Shaima: We must make the most of what we’ve got We’ve got to do as much good as we canTo be a role model to encourage people to do the sameThat is the only was you can serve your country
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It’s been a week since Marwa’s performance on Iraq Star was shown across the country.
Marwa: My heart is going to stop
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All week the show’s been receiving text votes from the public to determine which two contestants will get to the final.
Marwa:I am afraid of being betrayed by the voteI know my friends, our relatives and my teachers are with me Even my English teacher said Marwa…All my family encourage you and we’re voting for you
Dad: I am worried right now. The results aren’t out yet and we’re on tenterhooks.
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To give herself the best chance of making the final Marwa has spent a small fortune voting for herself.
Mom:I asked her how many texts you’ve sent so far and she told me to get lost
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The family have spent the rest of their savings, over a $100, about 2 weeks pay, on phone cards.
Hussam: It went over $50?
Marwa: Of course it went over 50I’ve been texting for an hour
Hussam:Then you must have won thenI swear you’ve already won
Mom: The TV channel has driven her to gambling
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While Iraq star is successfully getting the public hooked on the show it also has other ambitions.For years traditional Iraqi music was neglected and the archive that had kept it alive was destroyed when the state broadcaster was bombed in 2003.
Khalil : The task of these voices is to document these songs. And record them with our orchestra in order to save them I’m always being told. Shots of family watching TV.'You have revived the beautiful Iraqi songs in this programme’
Marwa: Now when they say “One, get ready… ““Two, get set… “and “Three…”
Marwa: The results, the results
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With all the votes in from the public, the show’s about to reveal who will be going to that final in Beirut.
Marwa: I don’t understand
Mom: Those are the votes – you got 11%
Dad: All our friends said they would vote. What is the reason for this 11%? 11% - it’s impossible
Mom: You’d expect as she’s the only girl she would have gone through.
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Marwa just can’t believe it, and she’s looking for someone to blame.
Marwa: They got me out, I didn’t just lose many people voted for meI swear to God they’re liars
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While reality TV is flourishing in Iraq, the celebrity circuit has yet to take off. Instead famous faces get invited to the only big parties that still take place - weddings.Iraq’s favourite comedy actor, Majed Yassin, is never short of an invitation.
Majed: I hope you are the next to get married
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Although he spends most of his days just clowning around, Majed’s shows are certainly breaking taboos and changing how Iraqis see themselves.
Majed: 10 minutes and I’ll be there… if any explosions happen just pray for me
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Majed is on his way to rehearsals for a show that, under Saddam, could have cost him his life.
Majed: It’s a program which is open and honestWe criticise things which exist In our dear country. We talk about people’s sufferings. We express their feelings and their tragedies. We then present it to those in power in a comic way
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In June 2004 the Al Sharqiya channel started broadcasting Iraq’s first ever political, satire show - Caricature.
Majed: Where’s sir? Where’s the director?
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Remember Ali Hannoun the director re building houses? Well he’s behind this show too.
Ali Jaber:Thank God you’re safe
Ali Hannoun: After the recent events in Iraq and the recent development in the country. It became possible to criticise and say what you think without fear
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So nothing’s safe from ridicule by Caricature, particularly Iraqi authority figures, old and new.
Majed:Where do you think you guys are going?
Guns, Saddam’s moustache, Americans, they’re all targets.
Majed: Didn’t you see me standing here? Me and my moustache? Didn’t you see the gun?
Bushra: We’re coming to visit someone.Majed: Who?Bushra: My sister
Saad: Her sister is pregnant.
Ali Hannoun:The average Iraqi can’t always make himself heard in the mediaHe can’t always make himself heard to those in power
Majed: How dare you talk to me like that? Why are you shouting at me while I’m on dutyIf it was an American soldier would you dare to speak to him like that
Ali Hannoun: The aim is to be the voice that magnifies the whispers of the Iraqi street
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Nowadays with Caricature here, even the powerful and corrupt can’t just throw their weight around.
Ali: I brought some people who will teach you a lessonAnd teach you how to speak to the governor’s brother
Majed: If any of you come near me I’ll shoot you
Ali Jaber: As we say instead of going to the police headquarters. Just go to the ‘Caricature’ team and report your problem and they will criticise the situation for you
Majed:Do you think I can’t take you on
Majed: Since there is freedom and democracy. Being a man of the media you must play A direct and central role in the service of the public. That’s why you represent situations empathising with people’s suffering. But it must be done in a comic way. Because our aim is to make everyone happy
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Across town things are still off color on the set of Colors of Ash.Filming has resumed following the arrest of their actor but the entire script has had to be reworked and scenes re-shot.Walid and the rest of the cast and crew have been told their colleague will not be released and will now be charged as a insurgent.
Walid: They say he involved in some criminal activities.That’s a shock, shock for me. So I don’t know, I am really worry about, is he really, is he really done things like that, I don’t know.
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In a bizarre twist of fate, it’s rumoured the actor may now appear on another Iraqi Reality TV show; Terrorism In the Hands of Justice. This series made by the government run Iraqiya channel shows alleged insurgent apparently confessing. It’s been condemned by human rights groups abroad, but it’s a ratings winner here. After they’ve appeared, the stars of the show become very hard to track down.
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Just when she thought her shot at stardom had been blown away Marwa’s dreams have come true. She’s been handed a wild card, as the most successful woman on the show she’s made it to the Beirut final of Iraq Star.
We dream our nation. Becomes a paradise. And a garden of roses. The fire of war will be overAnd the past will never be repeated
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In the end, Marwa didn’t win, but she’s been signed up to become a new face at the channel … and a record deal is now in sight.