Irakalla: Gilgamesh's Dream

Irkalla Hulm Jijiljamish

Directed by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji

2025

Drama

109 min

Iraq United Arab Emirates Qatar France United Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Arabic

Synopsis

In Baghdad's streets, Chum-Chum, a diabetic and dreamy nine-year-old, believes the Tigris River hides a gate to Irkalla, the underworld, where he can reunite with his lost parents – a belief rooted in the legend of Gilgamesh.
But when his friend Moody slips into violence and street crime, Chum-Chum must choose between holding on to myth or facing reality.
A tale of grief, faith, and the search for light in a city that refuses to die.

Festivals

2025

Locarno Film Festival | Piazza Grande •
Toronto International Film Festival | Centerpiece •

About the Director

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji

Mohamed Al-Daradji was born in Baghdad. He studied Film and Television at the Media Academy in Hilversum before moving to the UK, where he earned two degrees in Cinematography and Directing. He is the co-founder of Human Film with Isabelle Stead, an independent production company. He also founded the Iraqi Independent Film Center, a pioneering initiative for the independence and creativity of Iraqi filmmakers.

Filmography

THE JOURNEY (2017)

IN THE SANDS OF BABYLON (2013)

IN MY MOTHER'S ARMS (2011)

Co-directed with Atia Jbara Al-Darraji

SYN BABILONU (2009)

WAR, LOVE, GOD & MADNESS (2008)

AHLAAM (2006)

Cast & Crew

Cast:

Youssef Husham Al-Thahabi, Hussein Raad Zuwayr, Samar Kazem Jawad, Ameer Jabarah, Lojin Star Naimal

Script:

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji, Karim Traidia, Shahad Ameen, Hasan Falih

Cinematographer:

Saed Nikzat, Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji, Salam Salman

Editor:

Mathilde Muyard

Sound design & mix:

Laurent Chassaigne, Olivier Laurent, Laurent Chassaigne, Roland Vajs

Music:

Mike Kourtzer, Fabien Kourtzer

Producer:

Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji, Hélène Cases, Salam Salman, Talal Adel Al Asmani

Production Company:

Iraqi Independent Film Center, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Humanfilm

Co-production Company:

Lionceau Films, Biet Ameen

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