In My Mother's Arms

This movie focuses on a small band of young children left homeless by war and the man that does everything in his power to save them from life on the street. He, by the way, could use our help to support these children. The documentary shows the life these children have been left to endure alone, many with psychological problems due to witnessing the death of family members and/or being involved in the same road side bomb incident that took their parents and a left them alive to cope with life alone. One amazing man decides to do something to help these young children. But finding food and clothing and housing is a daily challenge which the local government is unwilling to deal with. Put yourself into the small shoes of these kids and you will find yourself thinking of them day and night.

This powerful documentary follows two and a half years in the life of an orphanage in Baghdad run by Husham, who is devoting his life to protecting children from the dangers of the streets. While not supported by the government, he struggles to keep the orphanage running and is determined to try his best in providing a decent life and education for the children.

The children are mostly orphans of people killed or kidnapped, all traumatized to various degrees and in need of special attention. Husham wants to make sure they mingle with normal children at school in order not to grow up feeling alienated. He counts on a number of volunteers to assist him, but with every passing day they face a different obstacle. One day, the landlord decides to the orphanage should be vacated within two weeks. The children risk sleeping in the streets and Husham doesn't know where to turn to for help.

"In My Mother's Arms" is one of the most powerful documentaries that screened at the 2012 Gulf Film Festival. The children are undoubtedly the main stars, growing a little too fast in a war-torn country. As Saif, around 8 years old, sings at one point: "I'm too young to endure all this". He is filled with bitterness and mystery and doesn't remember his parents who were killed in a bombing. All he remembers is his mother's name. Only music brings him out of his silence.

"In My Mother's Arms" reflects a reality that affects a whole generation of young Iraqis, who if not properly taken care of, might end up in extremist groups. This is not simply a documentary – it has a more noble purpose.

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