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Season One

American Cinema

American cinema has played a pivotal role in shaping the global film industry, captivating audiences worldwide with its innovation, diversity, and influential storytelling. From classic Hollywood masterpieces to groundbreaking independent films, American cinema has consistently pushed boundaries and set cinematic trends, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.

In Basra Cinema club we have curated this list according to artistic and cultural importance to the Iraqi viewer :

citizen kane

1940s

By Orson Welles.

Following the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, reporters scramble to uncover the meaning of his final utterance:'Rosebud.

vertigo

1950s

by Alfred Hitchcock

A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail.

2001 a space odyssey

1960s

By Stanley Kubrick

After uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins - a spacecraft manned by two men and the supercomputer H.A.L.

apocalypse now

1970s

By Francis Ford Coppola

A U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam is tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who sees himself as a god.

taxi driver

1970s

By Martin Scorsese

A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.

blade runner

1980s

By Ridley Scott

A blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.

love streams

1980s

By John Cassavetes

Two closely bound, emotionally wounded souls reunite after years apart.

the thin red line

1990s

By Terrence Malick

Adaptation of James Jones' autobiographical 1962 novel, focusing on the conflict at Guadalcanal during the second World War.

dead man

1990s

By Jim Jarmusch

On the run after murdering a man, accountant William Blake encounters a strange aboriginal American man named Nobody who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world.

there will be blood

2007s

By Paul Thomas Anderson

A story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

the tree of life

2000s

By The Tree Of Life

The story of a family in Waco, Texas in 1956. The eldest son witnesses the loss of innocence and struggles with his parents' conflicting teachings.

Season Two

Iranian Cinema

Iranian cinema holds significant importance in the global film landscape, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and artistic expression.

In Basra Cinema club we have curated this list according to artistic and cultural importance to the Iraqi viewer :

The Cow

1969

By Dariush Mehrjui

is a seminal film exploring loss and identity through the psychological transformation of a villager who assumes the persona of his cherished cow, delivering a haunting and thought-provoking cinematic masterpiece.

the cyclist

1989

By Mohsen Makhmalbaf

is a visually captivating Iranian film that poetically portrays the relentless struggle of a cyclist trying to support his family in a war-torn landscape, offering a profound reflection on the human spirit and resilience in adversity.

A Moment of Innocence

1996

By Mohsen Makhmalbaf

is a captivating Iranian film that blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction. Inspired by a true event, the film brings together the actual participants of a violent incident, including Makhmalbaf himself, to reenact and reinterpret the event, resulting in a thought-provoking exploration of memory, perception, and the power of cinema.

The Circle

2000

By Jafar Panahi

is gripping film that exposes the harsh realities faced by women in a patriarchal society, offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of gender inequality.

Crimson Gold

2003

By Jafar Panahi

is a compelling film that explores the impact of socio-economic disparities and poverty in Tehran, offering a thought-provoking commentary on social injustice and the human experience.

About Elly

2009

By Asghar Farhadi

is a gripping drama that explores the consequences of secrets and lies within a group of friends during a weekend trip, delving into the complexities of human relationships and the fragility of trust.

There is No Evil

2020

By Mohammad Rasoulof

is a thought-provoking drama that examines the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a repressive society. The film is an anthology of interconnected stories, each exploring the themes of personal responsibility, choice, and the repercussions of obedience and defiance in the face of an oppressive regime. Through its powerful storytelling and compelling performances, "There is No Evil" challenges viewers to question the nature of power, authority, and individual agency in the pursuit of justice and freedom.

season three

Japanese Cinema

Welcome to Basra Cinema Club's upcoming season, where we embark on a captivating journey into the world of Japanese cinema. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of storytelling, intricate visuals, and profound emotions as we present a carefully curated selection of Japanese masterpieces.

In Basra Cinema club we have curated this list according to artistic and cultural importance to the Iraqi viewer :

Rashomon

1950

By Akira Kurosawa

In this groundbreaking film, Kurosawa masterfully explores the concept of multiple perspectives by presenting a crime from different viewpoints, challenging the audience's perception of truth and human nature.

Tokyo Story

1953

By Yasujirō Ozu

Ozu's poignant masterpiece depicts the generational gap and changing societal values as an elderly couple visits their busy adult children in Tokyo. The film serves as a profound reflection on family dynamics, social changes, and the universal themes of love and loss.

Harakiri

1962

By Masaki Kobayashi

With its searing critique of the samurai code and feudal hierarchy, "Harakiri" is a powerful and visually striking film. It delves into themes of honor, duty, and the price of maintaining one's integrity in the face of oppressive systems.

Ugetsu

1953

By Kenji Mizoguchi

Mizoguchi's hauntingly beautiful film intertwines reality and the supernatural to explore the price of ambition and the destructive nature of desire. Through its mesmerizing cinematography and evocative storytelling, "Ugetsu" offers a profound meditation on the human condition.

Sansho the Bailiff

1954

By Kenji Mizoguchi

This emotionally resonant masterpiece tells the story of a family torn apart by social injustice and their enduring struggle for reunion. Mizoguchi's film is a powerful condemnation of feudalistic oppression and an ode to the resilience of the human spirit.

Seven Samurai

1954

By Akira Kurosawa

Regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, "Seven Samurai" follows a group of skilled samurai who defend a village from bandits. Kurosawa's epic showcases his mastery of storytelling, character development, and dynamic action sequences, cementing its status as a timeless classic and influencing generations of filmmakers worldwide.

Ran

1985

By Akira Kurosawa

Kurosawa's visually stunning and emotionally gripping masterpiece, "Ran," presents a compelling adaptation of Shakespeare's "King Lear" set in feudal Japan. Through breathtaking cinematography, powerful performances, and a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, the film delves into themes of power, betrayal, and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition, solidifying its status as an epic and profound cinematic achievement

season Four

the Palestinian case cinema

These films offer a diverse and compelling exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, delving into the personal, psychological, and societal complexities experienced by individuals on both sides of the divide.

Paradise Now

2005

By Hany Abu-Assad

This gripping film delves into the lives of two Palestinian friends who are recruited as suicide bombers. "Paradise Now" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the psychological and moral complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, challenging viewers to confront the human side of those involved.

Waltz with Bashir

2008

By Ari Folman

Through innovative animation and a deeply personal narrative, "Waltz with Bashir" follows the director's journey to recover his repressed memories from the 1982 Lebanon War. This groundbreaking film confronts the trauma of war, collective memory, and the search for truth, providing a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Time That Remains

2009

By Elia Suleiman

Suleiman's semi-autobiographical film recounts the experiences of Palestinians from 1948 to the present day, capturing moments of absurdity, resilience, and everyday life. By blending humor and melancholy, "The Time That Remains" offers a poignant reflection on the Palestinian struggle for identity, dignity, and survival.

Omar

2013

By Hany Abu-Assad

Set against the backdrop of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, "Omar" is a gripping thriller that follows a young Palestinian baker who becomes entangled in a web of surveillance, betrayal, and resistance. The film highlights the complexities of living under occupation and the choices individuals face in their quest for freedom and justice.

Foxtrot

2017

By Samuel Maoz

This powerful drama weaves together three interconnected narratives, exploring the impact of war and grief on an Israeli family. "Foxtrot" delves into themes of loss, bureaucracy, and the cyclical nature of conflict, offering a searing critique of the human cost of war and the systemic challenges faced by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Lebanon

2009

By Samuel Maoz

Set entirely within the confines of an Israeli tank during the 1982 Lebanon War, this intense and claustrophobic film provides a harrowing portrayal of the realities of war. "Lebanon" serves as a stark reminder of the brutality and dehumanization experienced by soldiers and civilians alike, exploring the moral dilemmas and psychological toll of armed conflict.

Director's retrospective

Bela Tarr

Join us for a mesmerizing Bela Tarr Retrospective as we explore the remarkable works of this visionary filmmaker.

Werckmeister Harmonies

2000

takes viewers on a haunting journey through a Hungarian village, delving into themes of alienation, power, and the human condition

The Turin Horse

2011

offers a profound and meditative experience, depicting the lives of a father and daughter as they face the relentless hardship of existence, enveloping audiences in Tarr's signature atmospheric storytelling and stunning long takes.

Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Apichatpong Weerasethakul with our retrospective program featuring his remarkable films.

Uncle Boonmee

2010

s a mesmerizing exploration of memory, reincarnation, and the spiritual connections between humans and nature. Through dreamlike sequences and poetic storytelling, Weerasethakul invites audiences into a transcendent cinematic experience that challenges conventional narratives and embraces the mystical realms of existence.

Cristian Mungiu

Embark on a thought-provoking journey with our Cristian Mungiu Retrospective, showcasing the exceptional works of this acclaimed filmmaker.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"

2007

offers a harrowing and intimate portrayal of two women navigating the challenges of illegal abortion in communist Romania, while "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu" (2005) presents a darkly humorous and poignant examination of the Romanian healthcare system through the eyes of a dying man.

Beyond the Hills

2012

delves into the complexities of faith, friendship, and institutional power, delivering a haunting and deeply affecting exploration of a religious community. Mungiu's films captivate audiences with their raw realism, social commentary, and masterful storytelling.

Nuri Bilge Ceylan

A captivating journey through the works of Nuri Bilge Ceylan in our Director's Retrospective.

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia

2011

offers a mesmerizing and contemplative exploration of a night-long investigation in the Turkish countryside, delving into themes of truth, identity, and the human condition. "Three Monkeys" (2008) presents a gripping tale of a family's moral dilemma and the consequences of their actions, showcasing Ceylan's masterful storytelling and atmospheric cinematography.

The Wild Pear Tree

2018

takes audiences on a poetic and introspective journey as a young writer confronts his ambitions, family dynamics, and the search for meaning in life. Ceylan's films are marked by their exquisite visuals, rich character development, and profound philosophical reflections, creating a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Michael Haneke

Indulge in the captivating works of Michael Haneke in our Director's Retrospective, as we delve into his thought-provoking films.

The White Ribbon

2009

presents a haunting and unsettling portrait of a rural German village on the eve of World War I, exploring themes of power, repression, and the origins of evil.

Amour

2012

offers a tender and emotionally resonant portrayal of an elderly couple facing the challenges of aging and mortality, delving into the complexities of love, compassion, and human fragility. Haneke's films are marked by their meticulous craftsmanship, unflinching examinations of human nature, and their ability to provoke profound introspection and discussion.

Theodoros Angelopoulos

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the works of Theodoros Angelopoulos in our Theodoros Angelopoulos Retrospective.

Eternity and a Day

1998

takes viewers on a poetic exploration of life, memory, and the passage of time as a dying poet reflects on his past and contemplates his final moments.

Ulysses' Gaze

1995

weaves a captivating narrative around a filmmaker's search for three lost reels of film, delving into themes of history, identity, and the power of art.

The Suspended Step of the Stork

1991

offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of migration, borders, and human connection through the story of a journalist investigating the disappearance of a refugee. Angelopoulos' films captivate with their sweeping visuals, contemplative storytelling, and profound exploration of human experiences and the sociopolitical landscape.

Satyajit Ray

Celebrate the incredible legacy of Satyajit Ray with our Director's Retrospective, as we showcase his remarkable films.

Pather Panchali

1955

transports audiences to the enchanting world of rural Bengal, following the journey of a young boy and his family, capturing the beauty of ordinary life with profound sensitivity and authenticity.

Aparajito

1956

continues the poignant coming-of-age story, tracing the protagonist's pursuit of education and the conflicts that arise between personal aspirations and familial obligations.

The World of Apu

1959

concludes the iconic Apu Trilogy with a deeply introspective exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Ray's films are revered for their lyrical storytelling, humanistic themes, and stunning cinematography, establishing him as one of India's most influential and revered filmmakers.

Wong Kar-wai

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Wong Kar-wai with our Director's Retrospective.

In the Mood for Love

2000

presents a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale of unrequited love and longing, set against the backdrop of 1960s Hong Kong.

Chungking Express

1994

weaves together two distinct love stories in the bustling streets of Hong Kong, capturing the essence of urban loneliness and fleeting connections. Wong Kar-wai's films are celebrated for their exquisite cinematography, poetic storytelling, and exploration of themes such as memory, desire, and the complexities of human relationships.

Werner Herzog

a captivating journey through the visionary films of Werner Herzog in our Director's Retrospective.

Aguirre, the Wrath of God

1972

immerses viewers in a mesmerizing tale of obsession and power as a Spanish conquistador's quest for El Dorado leads to madness and chaos in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Fitzcarraldo

1982

takes audiences on a breathtaking adventure, following a man's audacious mission to haul a steamship over a mountain in the pursuit of his grand vision. Herzog's films are renowned for their stunning visuals, exploration of human ambition, and existential themes, cementing him as one of cinema's most audacious and imaginative directors.