Summary

Filmed in a village in the north of Iraq, The First Movie explores and revels in the magic of children’s imaginations against the backdrop of a troubled region where thousands of families have been expelled from their traditional villages. The high proportion of internationally displaced persons means that life is a struggle for many, and children there are terrified of war and insecure about the future, yet their sense of play, creativity and adventure is robust.

This documentary captures their robustness. It watches the spirited manner in which the children incorporate harsh realities into their imaginative lives. In a vivid, unfolding and engaging way, the film shows how their personalities emerge, how they respond to movies, and how inventiveness in children works. The First Movie uncovers the enthralling individuality of each of the children. Initially puzzled and then soon excited by the simple video cameras they are given, the children make their own films which tell the story of life as they see it. The result is a rich tapestry of fun and fantasy, but also of horrifying trauma – a compelling insight into a community which in the face of adversity remains full of life, spirit and warmth.