From Baghdad to The Bay

This award winning feature length documentary shares the epic journey of Ghazwan Alsharif, an Iraqi refugee and former translator for the U.S. military. Wrongfully accused of being a double agent, imprisoned and tortured by those he risked his life to protect, and ostracized from family and country, we follow Ghazwan as he struggles to rebuild his life in the United States while coming out as an openly gay activist. 

More info: frombaghdadtothebay.com

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If you feel that you can afford more than $5.99 to support independent filmmaking, wonderful! All money generated from streaming rentals is currently being applied to the cost incurred to make the film and maintenance fees.

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AWARDS 

Best Documentary Feature

- Cinequest

Best Film, Programmer's Award for Excellence

- OUTshine Film Festival Miami

First Time Feature Filmmaker Award

- GI Film Festival

Festival Theme Award for Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film

- Ojai Film Festival

Jury Award for Best Documentary

- qFlix Philadelphia

Celebration of Courage Award for Best Documentary

- OUT HERE NOW: Kansas City LGBT Film Festival

Best LGBTQI Feature Film

- Oxford Film Festival

REVIEWS

- Michael Fox | KQED Arts

- cineSOURCE Magazine

- SF Arts Magazine

- San Francisco Chronicle

- Dr. Ramzi Salti | Arabology Blog & Podcast

- Your Call with Rose Aguilar, KALW

- Roger Walker-Dack, EDGE Media Network

WHY THIS FILM IS IMPORTANT

intersects with some of the most important, diverse and relevant topics of our time, from the polarized debate around immigration and the pervasive animosity towards people from the Middle East, to the aftermath of war and contentious torture tactics, to Human & LGBTQ rights. Centered around Ghazwan Alsharif’s powerful personal story, the film evokes conversations about how these issues intersect and urges us to reflect on these issues globally.

Ghazwan's story also provides an entry point for a wide and diverse set of audiences to discuss and challenge personal paradigms that each viewer will inevitably bring to their viewing. His gregarious and outgoing personality touches people in a universal way that has sparked deep change in individuals plagued by fear of the unknown and prejudice of many types.

The film is not only socially relevant but also a spectacular emotional roller coaster ride. With unexpected twists and turns that will sometimes shock and sometimes delight, you may get angry and you could cry but you will also most definitely laugh. It is a raw and deeply personal look at one man's harrowing and heartfelt journey to be true to himself amidst extreme adversity and a true embodiment of the "American Dream." Ghazwan illustrates the hope and spirit that the United States still inspires.

Thank you for watching!