Saddam Director's Next: Female Sniper vs. ISIS

What’s Happening

Kurdish/Norwegian filmmaker Halkawt Mustafa is making headlines again, just two years after his critically acclaimed 2023 documentary, “Hiding Saddam Hussein. ” He’s diving back into Iraq’s turbulent recent history.

His newest project, a feature film titled “No Paradise if You Are Killed by a Woman,” is currently in post-production. This exclusive reveals it will tell the gripping story of a female sniper taking on ISIS.

Mustafa’s previous documentary explored the intricate details of how former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein evaded capture after his ousting from power. Now, he’s fast-forwarding a decade.

This new film leaps into the era of ISIS, offering a stark contrast to the political maneuvering of the Saddam era by focusing on direct, personal combat against a brutal extremist group.

Why This Matters

The subject matter alone is incredibly significant. A female sniper fighting ISIS directly challenges the patriarchal and misogynistic ideology at the heart of the terrorist organization.

The film’s provocative title, “No Paradise if You Are Killed by a Woman,” directly references a belief reportedly held by some ISIS fighters. This suggests the sniper’s actions carry a powerful psychological weight beyond just military impact.

Mustafa, with his unique background, brings a distinctive perspective to these complex narratives. He blends his Kurdish roots and deep understanding of the region with a Norwegian filmmaking sensibility.

This dual perspective allows for a nuanced exploration of the conflict, moving beyond simple hero-villain tropes to uncover the human stories and motivations within. The focus on a female protagonist is particularly timely and important.

It highlights the often-overlooked bravery and resilience of women in conflict zones, especially when confronting groups like ISIS who sought to enslave and silence them. This isn’t just about a military engagement; it’s about reclaiming agency and fighting back against an ideology that denies women their fundamental rights and dignity.

The Bottom Line

Halkawt Mustafa is solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle the most challenging and critical moments in modern Iraqi history. From the political intricacies of Saddam’s fall to the raw fight against ISIS, his work offers vital, often untold, stories.

“No Paradise if You Are Killed by a Woman” promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged film. It will undoubtedly spark important conversations about gender, warfare, and extremism.

We’re left to wonder: how will this unflinching portrayal of female courage against an extremist force resonate with audiences worldwide, and what lasting impact will it have on our understanding of the fight for freedom in the Middle East?