One of the most distinguishable initiatives of the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine is inviting internationally recognized journalists and eminent religious scholars from around the world for the purpose of bringing to light the current war against ISIS from a whole new perspective, unlike anything portrayed in most media outlets.
Last month, a European filmmaking delegation, consisting of British producer Bob Tollast and French cameraman Scott Chasserot, visited Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad and interviewed volunteer fighters from different religions fighting alongside the Iraqi army against their mutual enemy, ISIS.
The International Media conducted an interview with Bob Tollast about their documentary films in the making.
International Media: What caught your attention the most in Iraq?
Tollast: This is actually our third trip to Iraq, our last two visits were to the southern province of Misan. However, we can firmly say that this trip was very much different, there was much more to see and discover. There were a couple of things that caught our attention the most during this visit: one was the astonishing architecture of the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine in Karbala and the other was the dedication and steadfastness of the Iraqis in their war against ISIS. They didn’t care who they were fighting with, all they cared about was defeating the enemy and liberating their land.
International Media: What were your first impressions when arriving at Iraq?
Tollast: Everyone hears of Iraq as being a war-torn, dangerous place that no one should go to. After having visited Iraq several times before, each time we feel more confident coming here. Iraq isn’t all Mosul and Anbar, there are 16 other provinces that are safe, wonderful and peaceful.
International Media: You have a couple of documentaries about Iraq in the making, can you tell us what they’re about?
Tollast: We are working on a 2-hour-long documentary film concentrating on Iraq’s heritage, culture, civilization, religious sites and traditions. Countless people around the world are unaware of the beautiful side of this great country. There are numerous hidden treasures in Iraq. Our second film will be made specifically for the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine and it will cover the humanitarian projects of the shrine as well as the role of Sistani’s call ‘to defend the nation’ in bringing together the Iraqi citizens from different religions to fight ISIS.
International Media: Where will you display your documentary film?
Tollast: Our documentary will participate in several film festivals, one of them being the well-known South by Southwest Film Festival that takes place in mid-March in Austin, Texas, United States.
International Media: Is it important for the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine to hold cultural conferences and exhibitions in Europe?
Tollast: Absolutely, the cultural aspect of Iraq should be made clear to everyone in any possible way. It is very important to show the western countries the other side of Iraq, the hidden side. Establishing worldwide conferences and events will dispel many misconceptions about Iraq in general.