Sandlines, the Story of History

Iraq, 2018-2020; 61:00 min

A film by Francis Alÿs in collaboration with the Iraq-based Ruya Foundation and Julien Devaux.

Arabic with English subtitles.

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The children of a mountain village near Mosul reenact a century of Iraqi history, from the secret agreement of Sykes/Picot signed in 1916 to the realm of terror established by the Islamic State in 2016. The children revisit their past to understand their present.

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Cast

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Crew

Written & directed by

Francis Alÿs

Co-directed by

Julien Devaux

Filmed by

Julien Devaux

Ivan Boccara

Francis Alÿs

Edited by

Julien Devaux

Sound designed by

Felix Blume

Produced by

Francis Alÿs

in coproduction with

the Ruya Foundation

Executive production

Parwar Tariq

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Stills

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Making of

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Since its premiere on January 25th, 2020, Sandlines, the Story of History has so far been included in 16 festivals, travelled to 10 countries with over 26 screenings, and won a “Best Feature Documentary Award” given by a children jury. Thanks to everyone involved in the making of this project.