Hiding Saddam Hussein is a documentary by the Kurdish director Halkout Mustafa. The film poignantly documents the final days in the life of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. It tells the story of Alaa Namak, the Iraqi villager who hid Saddam Hussein for 235 days in a hole in southern Tikrit, while the American army was searching for him in every corner of Iraq.
Director Halkout Mustafa, who was discovered in the Gulf cinema scene, introduced his first film Red Heart over ten years ago as part of the Gulf Film Festival. Mustafa now returns with a provocative documentary film, 12 years after the controversy that erupted around his work.
From the very first moments, the film captures its audience with meticulous detail and an accurate narration of significant historical events. The film does not merely document events but goes further to present a human perspective on the personalities that formed part of the story, whether through the internal struggle of Alaa Namak or through exploring the circumstances surrounding Saddam Hussein in his final days.
The documentary construction of the film employs a method that uses visual material to substitute for the absence of narrative events. The film is distinguished by maintaining a non-artificial nature, where viewers feel they are witnessing a visual simulation rather than a factual representation. The director continuously works to break the ongoing illusion by reverting to the present through the voice of Alaa Namak, who narrates the story.
The director demonstrates exceptional skill in using archival materials and interviews to build a comprehensive narrative that balances the documentary and dramatic aspects. The film’s production took more than ten years, with considerable effort evident in the depth of research and attention to detail. Mustafa benefited from thousands of hours of archival footage and tens of thousands of documents to present a comprehensive vision of events.
The film’s dramatic strength does not only stem from its disciplined rhythm or precise employment of archival material but from the human story it narrates. The film addresses the unique relationship that developed between the fleeing farmer and the president, within a dramatic framework. The film presents strange and painful moments, like the scene of the farmer torturing Saddam Hussein, which adds emotional depth to their relationship.
Although the film appears impartial on the surface, it essentially presents a critical view of authoritarian corruption and dictatorship. Director Halkout Mustafa avoids taking a clear stance towards Saddam Hussein’s personality, allowing viewers the freedom to think, reflect, and contemplate the events. The film raises questions about history and bias, focusing on the human experience shared by the farmer and the president during the hiding period.
The film’s weakness lies in the acting of documentary scenes, even if there was some benefit from the physical resemblance between the protagonist and the Iraqi president. However, this does not convincingly convey reality, making it difficult to fully believe its authenticity.
The film is presented in a sensitive and thoughtful manner, allowing the director to present a poignant story without lapsing into bias. The film does not seek to beautify or distort any side, but rather focuses on presenting the truth as perceived by the filmmakers, making it a powerful documentary that contributes to documenting an important part of Iraqi history.
Cinematography enhances the realism of events, making the audience feel as if they are part of the story. The music also plays an important role in building the film’s atmosphere, increasing its impact on viewers. This makes us, as viewers, feel the elements of that era with passion and anticipation towards the film.
Hiding Saddam Hussein is more than just a documentary film; it is a cinematic work that combines artistic craftsmanship and courage in approach. The film rebuilds important events in modern Iraqi history, presenting them in a way that makes them tangible and relatable to the audience. It is a film that should be watched by anyone interested in understanding that complex period of Iraqi and Arab history.
In conclusion, Hiding Saddam Hussein offers a provocative complex vision of Saddam Hussein’s character and the events surrounding his final days. The film is not just about documenting a historical event but is a call to reflect on human relationships and the consequences of power and dictatorship.
I anticipate that as soon as the film is shown on cinematic platforms, it will spark much debate and controversy regarding this significant event, especially due to its politically charged orientation and the way it deals with Saddam Hussein’s character.
Ahmed Alayyad
Edited by Birgit Beumers
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