Hanging Gardens
18+

Ahmed Yassin Al Daradji, 107 minutes, Drama, Arabic with English subtitles, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, UK and Saudi Arabia, 2022.  

As’ad and Taha barely scrape a living as rubbish pickers in ‘Hanging Gardens’ -the local nickname for Baghdad’s smoldering dumps- yet they make the most of what they have. One day, As’ad discovers an American sex doll. When he brings the taboo item home and presents her as a thing of beauty, Taha assaults his little brother for ruining their reputation. Little do they know; their whole life will change because of this doll.   

This is the first feature narrative film for its director.  It has won numerous awards, including: Jury Award at the Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film in 2023, Best Feature Film and Best Cinematic Contribution at the 2022 Red Sea International Film Festival. It was also competing at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. 

Trailer