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Baghdad Messi

| 2012

Directed by: Sahim Omar Kalifa

 official film poster image

Main Plot

"Baghdad Messi," directed by Sahim Omar Kalifa, centers on a young boy named Hamoudi who is passionate about soccer and idolizes Lionel Messi. Living in war-torn Baghdad, Hamoudi faces the challenges of daily life with a disability, having lost a leg. Despite these hardships, he dreams of watching the 2009 UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United. His father, determined to make his son's dream come true, embarks on a perilous journey to repair their broken television. The film poignantly captures the intersection of hope, resilience, and the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone, highlighting the lengths to which a family will go to bring a moment of joy to their child's life.

Characters

  • Ali Raad Al-Zaydawi portrays Hamoudi, a young boy with a disability who dreams of playing soccer like his idol, Lionel Messi, driving the emotional core of the story.
  • Hayder Helo plays the father of a disabled boy who dreams of becoming a soccer star, supporting his son's aspirations amidst challenging circumstances.
  • Noor Al-Hoda is a young, determined boy who dreams of becoming a football star despite his physical disability, inspiring hope and resilience in his war-torn community.

Ending Explained

"Baghdad Messi," directed by Sahim Omar Kalifa, concludes on a poignant and emotional note. The film centers around Hamoudi, a young boy who idolizes Lionel Messi and dreams of watching the 2009 UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United. Despite losing a leg in a bomb explosion, Hamoudi's passion for football remains undeterred. As the film progresses, Hamoudi's father embarks on a challenging journey to repair their broken television so his son can watch the much-anticipated match. The climax of the film sees the father returning home with a repaired TV, only for the family to face another tragic setback. The television is destroyed in another explosion, symbolizing the relentless cycle of violence and despair in their war-torn environment. The ending underscores the harsh realities of life in Baghdad, juxtaposing Hamoudi's innocent dreams with the brutal circumstances surrounding him. The film leaves viewers with a sense of sorrow and reflection, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amidst the devastation of war.

Sahim Omar Kalifa Short Drama Sport Ali Raad Al-Zaydawi Hayder Helo Noor Al-Hoda