MPM Premium takes on sales of Locarno Piazza Grande-selected Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream

“I am truly honoured to have MPM Premium, under the leadership of Marie-Pierre Macia and Jean‑Charles Mille, as the sales company for Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream,” says director/producer Mohamed Al-Daradji.“Their belief in the film and in its message means a great deal to me and to our entire team. It is rare to find partners who not only recognise the artistic power of a work but also share a deep commitment to bringing such stories to audiences worldwide. Having a company that genuinely believes in the children at the heart of this film gives me great confidence as we bring Irkalla to the world.”

“We were profoundly moved by the film’s artistic power; its distinctive cinematic language and the emotional depth of its message,” adds MPM Premium managing director Mille. “It is rare to encounter a work that so seamlessly merges a bold directorial vision with such a compelling narrative. Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream is masterfully directed and performed. The children - the heart of the film - are portrayed with extraordinary authenticity and emotional nuance, leaving a lasting impression. It's a universal tale that transcends borders and its themes will resonate with audiences around the globe, as vulnerable children longing for a better world can be found in every corner of our planet.”
​Ben Ross, ceo of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “At Image Nation, we are committed to supporting bold filmmakers who challenge perceptions and bring cultural representation to unheard voices. Irkalla is a powerful and timely film, and we’re proud to have played a part in bringing this important story to the screen.”

Irkalla Gilgamesh’s Dream is a tale of grief, faith and the search for light in a city that refuses to die.

Set on the streets of Baghdad in 2019, it tells the story of Chum-Chum, a homeless and dreamy nine-year-old boy who escapes into myth, believing the Tigris hides a gateway to the underworld Irkala, where he can resurrect his parents - an idea sparked by the legend of Gilgamesh. As his friend Moody is drawn into violence, Chum-Chum must choose between myth and salvation.

Al-Daradji explains that Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream is more than just a film. “It is a return to the lost final Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh - that strange, elusive Tablet in which Gilgamesh descends once more into the underworld. Not to seek immortality, but to listen to an unfinished voice, a toy left behind, an echo of laughter, the shadow of what was lost. I believe this film is that missing Tablet - seen through modern eyes, through the soul of a child, a boy with diabetes who doesnʼt descend to Irkalla for glory, but for a father and mother who vanished before he could even ask ‘Why?’”

Born in Baghdad, Al-Daradji is an award-winning filmmaker known for his powerful, socially-engaged cinema. After studying Film and Television at the Media Academy in Hilversum (Netherlands), he moved to the UK where he gained two degrees in Cinematography and Directing from the Northern Film School in Leeds. Alongside his filmmaking career, Mohamed founded the Iraqi Independent Film Center, a pioneering initiative dedicated to nurturing the spirit of independence and creativity among emerging and established Iraqi filmmakers.

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream is to receive its premiere on 12 August, 21:30, at the Piazza Grande in the presence of the director, accompanied by his young actors Youssef Husham Al-Thahabi, Hussein Raad Zuwer, Samar Kazem and Ameer Jabarah. Also in attendance will be executive producers Ali Al-Daradji and Isabelle Stead from Human Film,alongside co-producer Talal Adel Al Asmani from Image Nation.

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s DreamIrkalla: Gilgamesh’s DreamIrkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream

Moody and Chum-Chum (Irkalla: Gilgamesh's Dream)Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s DreamMohamed Al-Daradjiposter imagebehind the scenes

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream is produced by the Iraqi Independent Film Center (IIFC), Human Film (UK), Image Nation Abu Dhabi (UAE), in co-production with Lionceau Films (France) and Beit Amin Productions (Saudi Arabia). The film is supported by the Ile-de-France Region, the Doha Film Institute, the Red Sea Fund, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) and the French Embassy in Iraq.

Original screenplay: Mohamed Al-Daradji and Karim Traidia, co-written by Shahad Ameen and Hasan Falih. DoPs: Nikzat Saed, Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji and Salam Salman. Editor: Mathilde Muyard. Original music: Fabien and Mike Kourtzer. Sound: Olivier Laurent and Roland Vajs. Costume Designer: Tamara Al-Nouri. VFX: Filippo Robino, Pietro Coco, Jawad Matouri and Mohammad Fartosy.

Christian De Schutter

Hype Park

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