Iraq: Iraq recently participated in the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada by screening three documentary films. These films highlight the lives of the inhabitants of southern Iraq’s marshlands and the environmental and social challenges facing the region due to climate change, drought, and water scarcity.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the three films-*Voice of the Marshes*, *Memory of the Reeds*, and *Doctor of the Reeds*-were screened at the Toronto Film Festival market. The screenings were attended by individuals interested in cinema, the environment, and culture, as well as representatives from academic and community institutions and international figures.

These films tell human stories from within the Iraqi marshes, featuring individuals living their daily lives amidst the region’s aquatic landscape and cultural heritage. They also shed light on the impact of drought, receding water levels, and climate change on the residents’ futures and livelihoods.

The films were directed by Christian Abi Abboud and produced by Omid Khalid as part of the “Reviving the Marshes, Reviving Hope” project. This initiative is led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq, implemented by Babylon Film Foundation, and funded by the Government of Canada.

This participation aligns with Babylon Film Foundation’s efforts to use cinema to raise awareness about environmental, humanitarian, and cultural issues in Iraq and to share the stories of local communities with an international audience. Participation in the Toronto International Film Festival market also provided a genuine opportunity to showcase Iraq’s marshes and the stories of their inhabitants, connect with international institutions and professionals across the film, cultural, and environmental sectors, and open new avenues for international cooperation.