HAIFA STREET

Synopsis: Set in Baghdad in 2006, Haifa Street is one of the most dangerous places suffering from the civil war and violence that have plagued the city. When Ahmed is dropped off there on his way to his beloved Suad’s house to ask for her hand in marriage, he gets shot by Salam, an anxious young sniper who is living his own personal hell on a rooftop above. Suad desperately tries to save Ahmed, but Salam prevents anyone from approaching him. All hell breaks loose under the ominous presence of the American occupation. 

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Director’s biography: Mohanad Hayal was born Nasiriyah (Iraq) in 1985.He graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 2010. His short film “Happy Birthday” was selected for the 2013 Berlin International Film Festival and received the Rising Star Award at the Rhode International Film Festival in America. In addition to his work as a director, he co-produced a number of movies. He is one of the founders of the Iraqi Independent Film Centre. He currently heads the film production department at the Iraqi Ministry of Culture.