INDEPENDENT LENS | Operation Filmmaker | Film Clip 2 | PBS

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/operationfilmmaker In this surprising allegory of America's involvement in Iraq, an Iraqi film student, Muthana Mohmed—whose school was destroyed by American bombs—lands a dream job working on a Hollywood movie in the West. On set, idealistic expectations and cultural misunderstandings collide launching Muthana on a journey more complicated than either he or his American benefactors ever anticipated.
In this clip, production assistant Muthana Mohmed is frustrated at missing a big filming moment while he prepped snacks for the crew.

OPERATION FILMMAKER premieres Tuesday, December 30 on Independent Lens, a weekly series airing on PBS. Hosted by Terrence Howard, the acclaimed series showcases powerful and innovative independent films. Presented by ITVS, Independent Lens is broadcast on PBS stations nationwide.

Visit the Web site for more: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/operationfilmmaker

Category:

Film & Animation

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• czech
• documentaries
• everything
• filmmaker
• illuminated
• independent
• iraq
• is
• lens
• liev
• operation
• pbs
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• schreiber
• tv

[bebedebore]

I thought that this film showed how utterly unproffesional these film makers were -giving him money to begin with was totally out of order. "earogc" you really should be careful to think about what you just said... "work and struggle" -I think Iraqis know more about struggle than we in America ever would on a set or not. Trust me I work in the film industry and whilst its hard it doesn't compare to the trauma and destruction caused to individuals living in war-torn countries.

[earogc]

There is no doubt this individual is totally unaware of the incredible opportunity he was handed on a silver platter. Actually - many opportunities. Another candidate would have thrived. This Muthana is a spoiled brat without the drive to realize dreams come true with WORK and struggle. I would say that he should have been thoroughly apprised of his PA duties PRIOR to coming on board - however, in this case and with his mind set - I do think it would have made a difference.

[fuzzfilm]

I think people should watch this film more closely. One poster said that he had a personality disorder and was ungratfull. This poor kid who is a victim of war as is the rest of his country. He with out a doubt has PTSD and is thrown into an completely alien situation and suddenly has to survive in a world (or worlds) he knows nothing about. Leiv should have found another way to alleviate his guilt and left the poor kid alone as we all should leave that whole country alone.

[fuzzfilm]

Imagine that you are very young, some very professional and experienced Iraqi filmmakers plucked you up from your comfy surroundings and plopped you on a set in Bagdad (or again Prauge for that matter) and you couldn't return home. Let's see how any of us would do. He did the best that he knew how to do and I'm sorry to you all that he wasn't able to capitalize on the oppertunity he was given. Let's see how you do.

[emartinez6]

I agree completely. He seemed to have exploited his circumstances when I'm sure other people would take these great opportunities and not complain about them. All in all the film was great. I just hope it doesn't portray a worse image of the Iraqui people. I hope people don't generalize because of the way he carried himself.

[mauka96813]

Man, I'm almost speechless after viewing this program on PBS. This guy is an opportunist and a swindler. Did I say that right? The guy never held a job so he relied on the "poor thing" concept to make it through the days of this film. I wish that I had the opportunity at a chance to become a director. Maybe I would stink at it but I would put in effort and get a job and I would not ask The Rock fo' money or you. Aloha. ...UNREAL!