HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD (directors: Eddy Moretti/Suroosh Alvi; screenwriters: Bernardo Loyola/Suroosh Alvi; cinematographer: Eddy Moretti; editor: Bernardo Loyola; music: Acrassicauda; cast: Eddy Moretti, Suroosh Alvi, Firas al Lateef, Faisal Talal, Marwan Reyad, Tony Aziz; Runtime: 84; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Eddy Moretti/Suroosh Alvi/Monica Hampton; Arts Alliance America; 2007 … Vice Announces Launch of Documentary Film Division, Vice Heads to HBO With a News Series That's Half Journalism and Half Adventure Tourism, Tiff 2012: Doc Director Says Snoop Lion 'The Real Deal'. Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a 2007 rockumentary film following filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi as they track down the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda amidst the Iraq War. If 'Once' was about the romance of creativity, Heavy Metal in Baghdad is about the total, unrelenting obsession. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. Add the first question. This is a bleak, pessimistic film about several lives who have been exposed to way too much horror and death than one person should have to deal with. In the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, ... 5 of 7 people found this review helpful. Playing heavy metal in a Muslim country has always been a difficult (if not impossible) proposition but after Saddams regime was toppled, there was a brief moment for the band in which real freedom seemed possible. A book accompanying the film was released in 2009, titled "Heavy Metal in Baghdad - The Story of Acrassicauda". The Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda formed in a basement in Baghdad under the Saddam Hussein regime — not exactly the easiest place to … More than 300 "metal heads" defied the dangers of being in a Baghdad … reportage...Both a stirring testament to the plight of cultural expression in Baghdad and a striking report on the refugee scene in Syria, this rock-doc like no other electrifies its genre and redefines headbanging as an act of hard-core courage. The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. Acrassicauda (Latin for a deadly black scorpion) is Iraq’s only heavy metal band. If they existed in America,Europe,Asia,or even parts of Africa,no problem. The film was generally well received by critics. In order to inherit his fed up father's hotel empire, an immature and lazy man must repeat grades 1-12 all over again. Heavy Metal In Baghdad Firas Al-Lateef (Actor), Suroosh Alvi (Actor, Director), Eddy Moretti (Director) The film was shot over three years. Heavy Metal In Baghdad Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a feature film documentary that follows the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda from the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 to the present day. "[9], The Los Angeles Times described the film as "More than just another Iraq-doc, 'Heavy Metal' is a surprisingly up-close look at the toll of the war on young people, and how they still have dreams and still want to jam, party and get down. In 2006, after a fledging European tour Anvil sets out to record their thirteenth album and continue to follow their dreams. [11], The film also garnered favourable reactions from leading British publications such as The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian. View production, box office, & company info. [6], It received an official theatrical release in the United States on 23 May 2008 and a limited theatrical release in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2008. Filmmakers from Vice returned to Iraq in 2006 to track down the band. Written by Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Acrassicauda (Latin for a deadly black scorpion) is Iraq’s only heavy metal band. "[12] The Guardian described the film as "fascinating". The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. Spoken in English,Arabic & heavily accented English with English subtitles. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. In 2003, the Iraqi heavy-metal band Acrassicauda was the subject of a Vice magazine article. In the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, Acrassicauda. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" opens in Baghdad during August 2006 as filmmakers Suroosh Alvi and Eddy Moretti don bulletproof vests, surrounded by bodyguards, as they prepare to interview the only Iraqi heavy metal band, Acrassicauda ("black scorpion"). [6] This was followed by a 21 September 2008 screening at Finland's Helsinki International Film Festival. https://www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/10-great-films-metal-fans A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story. They have no choice. Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a 2007 rockumentary film following filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi as they track down the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda amidst the Iraq War. “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” is about Acrassicauda, allegedly the only active Metal band from Iraq (then…and probably also now). Acrassicauda (Latin for a deadly black scorpion) is Iraq’s only heavy metal band. (2007). The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. Heavy Metal in Baghdad is one of those sneaky documentaries that starts out a light-hearted look at a semi-serious subject, and then suddenly turns into something far more moving and profound. The naming is a bit of a fake-out; Video of Some Emblematically Unlucky and Tense Dudes in a War Zone might have been more apt, given the actual material. With the magazine's help, they were able to stage a sell-out show in 2005 despite the recent ousting of Saddam Hussein. Use the HTML below. Back in 2007, the rockumentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad was released which followed the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda during the controversial US-led invasion of Iraq in the 2000s. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. Our editors have rounded up their most anticipated horror movies of the year. See the rest of Heavy Metal in Baghdad at VBS.TV The recent elections saw a flare in the random violence that characterized the hottest periods of the war and reminded me that the desire to … In the 60s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. A girl is caught between the life that took her brother and her own inability to strike out on her own. Upon their return they discovered the multitude of death and destruction, including rehearsing studios destroyed by bombs. The collector's edition includes over 90 minutes of bonus material. Heavy Metal in Baghdad follows the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda from the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 to the present day. The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. The book was edited by Andy Capper, editor of Vice magazine in the UK and Europe. Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with consequences. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? In her grief, she finds solace in the dark music of Black Metal and dreams of becoming a rock star. Their brevity was rewarded. That band is/was Acrassicauda (Latin for 'The Black Scorpion'),a band that wants nothing more than to rock out. [6], The film was released on DVD in the United States on 10 June. They meet up with the two surviving members with the band for a series of interviews (the other members had fled to Syria,and the other surviving members would eventually follow the following year). documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad featuring the members of Iraq’s only heavy metal band—Acrassicauda—and their daily struggle to survive and rock on even as their country fell into a bloody insurgency. documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad featuring the members of Iraq’s only heavy metal band—Acrassicauda—and their daily struggle to survive and rock on even as their country fell into a bloody insurgency. Heavy Metal in Baghdad L ighters aloft for Acrassicauda, the only heavy metal band in Baghdad, who plug their amps into a gas-powered generator and carry handguns on … Through video footage of performances at various venues that they could actually play at,as well as personal insights by each band member,we get to know a bit more about their lives. BAGHDAD, Iraq Nov. 23, 2010— -- Heavy metal is back in Baghdad and for a change that doesn't mean tanks or artillery. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Alvi and Moretti have been following Acrassicauda since learning of them in 2003 following the fall of Baghdad,… This includes a 45-minute featurette, seven additional and deleted scenes (live performances and interviews), an 8-page booklet including the original Vice magazine article "No War For Heavy Metal" as well as a teaser trailer.[7]. Anonymous, 'Heavy Metal In Baghdad'is a documentary about the first & ONLY heavy metal band in Iraq (at least,so far). [1], The film was shot over three years. [5], The film premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival on 8 September 2007. documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad featuring the members of Iraq’s only heavy metal band—Acrassicauda—and their daily struggle to survive and rock on even as their country fell into a bloody insurgency. Acrassicauda’s rock ’n’ roll faith was traced in a documentary, “Heavy Metal in Baghdad,” released in 2007. Heavy Metal in Baghdad tells the story of Acrassicauda, a metal band from Iraq, whose members are stuck in the middle of Baghdad and the Civil War that is ripping the country apart. Another eye opening documentary for those who have seen the well produced wave of anti war documentaries since all of this transpired. [3] The film was distributed by VBS.tv, part of the Vice media conglomerate. "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is the story of the band and its members, young Iraqis whose lives have been distorted and displaced by years of continual warfare in their homeland. Since 1978, Anvil has become one of heavy metal's most influential yet commercially unsuccessful acts. Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a feature film documentary that follows the Iraqi heavy metal band Acrassicauda from the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 to the present day. Check out our editors' picks for the best movies and shows coming this month. Heavy Metal in Baghdad, a twitchy, handheld documentary that jets in and out of the lives of some Iraqi metalheads, signals its intentions in the encompassing breadth of its title. Heavy Metal in Baghdad Heavy Metal In Baghdad depicts the story of a Acrassicauda, a heavy metal band formed in Iraq by five young Iraqi men in 2001. [13], Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, Filming locations for Heavy Metal in Baghdad, Iraqi Heavy Metal Band Asks for Help as They Fight to Survive, 'Heavy Metal In Baghdad' DVD Due Next Month, (Movie Review) Heavy Metal in Baghdad (2007), From Joy Division to Bob Dylan to Metal in Iraq: Music Movies Rock Toronto Film Festival, Film reviews: Heavy Metal in Baghdad and Ashes of Time, Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch Ancient Aliens, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Heavy_Metal_in_Baghdad&oldid=956722554, Documentary films about heavy metal music and musicians, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 May 2020, at 23:07. Their struggle is the untold story of the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of young Iraqis. They must rock. “Heavy Metal in Baghdad,” which has been playing festivals and will be released theatrically in May, was born out of an article in Vice magazine, the free monthly that Alvi co-founded in … [6] This was followed by a 10 February screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. The band had to deal with ultra strict Islamic oppression (song lyrics had to be pro Sadam & pro Islam,shows had to end as early as seven o'clock,no women allowed at performances & a host of other related b.s.). It began as a series of Webisodes for VBS, Vice ’s online network. documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad featuring the members of Iraq’s only heavy metal band—Acrassicauda—and their daily struggle to survive and rock on even as their country fell into a bloody insurgency. The documentary uses interviews, commentaries, live performances and other original footage to reveal what it is like to be a Metal band in a war-torn country. Inspired by groups like Metallica, Slayer, and Slipknot, the band began writing and playi The book offers an oral history of the band's journey, made up of extended interviews with key members. Rated 'R'by the MPAA for pervasive strong language. [4] In 2009, the band were resettled in the United States as refugees. "[10], Reporting on film premiering at the 2007 TIFF, Rolling Stone described the film as "the most powerful music film" of the festival. Heavy metal wasn’t tolerated during the Saddam years, and in the film, against a backdrop of carnage and destruction, the members of Acrassicauda struggle to rehearse and play without being killed. Further European festival screenings in 2008 took place on 25 September at Iceland's Reykjavík International Film Festival,[6] 10 October screening at Belgium's Ghent International Film Festival[6] and Poland's Warsaw International Filmfest on 10 October also. Candid interviews with the band members allows an insight into a sub section of society steeped in American pop culture and the hostilities this attracts. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Acrassicauda (Latin for a deadly black scorpion) is Iraq’s only heavy metal band. The fact that the band got their start prior to the American invasion of Iraq (or as most with half a brain referred it to an unprovoked attack by Fuhrer George II) only managed to make things worse. During the filming it was revealed that the Syrian government did not intend to extend the visas of the band to stay in Syria; as a result, the filmmakers campaigned to raise funds to relocate the band in a safer country, rather than return to Iraq. The former praised the film in that it "brings home the cultural as well as the human violence meted out to that gorgeous capital more powerfully than many more exalted documentaries...Though they struggle to build a fan base, and end up seeking refuge in Syria, their dreams persist, still blazing fiercely at the close of this chastening and inspiring film. Fellow Canadian documentary film makers,Eddy Moretti & Suroosh Alvi (Vice Guide To Travel),document their trip to Iraq to see if the members of Acrassicauda were still alive & performing (under extreme duress,as air travel was very dicey, where they had to take a plane to the far northern tip of Iraq & take a connecting flight into Baghdad,at great risk),and to see what conditions are like in post Sadam Iraq. Title: Heavy Metal in Baghdad. Main article: Heavy Metal in Baghdad The story of the band was the subject of a documentary called Heavy Metal in Baghdad, which was made by Canadians Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi. This FAQ is empty. A glowing green orb - which embodies ultimate evil - terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories of dark fantasy, eroticism and horror. Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour. The filmmakers have collected glimpses into the struggles of Acrassicauda as they try to stay together and stay alive. While Heavy Metal in Baghdad showcases the difficulties of playing in a band whose practice space gets bombed by heavy artillery, Anvil focuses on … In the 80s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr. Eugene Landy. The group was featured in the 2007 Vice documentary "Heavy Metal in Baghdad," which detailed the band's struggle to stay true to their art in an Iraq … [6] On 13 March 2008, it was screened at Greece's Thessaloniki Documentary Festival. In the late summer of 2006, in the middle of the insurgency, filmmakers Eddy Moretti and Suroosh Alvi traveled to Baghdad to meet and interview the only heavy metal band in Iraq, Acrassicauda. [2] Filming locations included Baghdad and Erbil in Iraq, Beirut, Lebanon and Damascus, Syria. The interviews are spiked with anger & bitterness over what has happened to their beloved home country & the violence & hatred toward Iraqi's that has exploded with the subsequent U.S. invasion. Heavy metal is the ideal soundtrack to the bloody conflict raging in Baghdad right now. Was this review helpful to you? Their struggle is the untold story of the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of young Iraqis. [8], The New York Times praised the film as "An intrepid, unlikely and altogether splendid feat of D.I.Y. It has a rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 24 critics. 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