Santa Claus in Baghdad

About the Project

Santa Claus in Baghdad is an educational short narrative film aimed at English-speaking teens ages 12– 14 (Middle School). The aim of this film, through a gentle story of Amal, a sixteen year old girl, is to foster improved communications between the Arab and Western worlds through mutual respect. This film represents a positive media tool for the often misrepresented Iraqi and Arabic people. This tale talks about universal issues for teenagers, who are everywhere coming to terms with body image and issues of popularity at school, within the context of Baghdad during the time of UN sanctions. Importantly, Harvard University has agreed to write a curriculum guide to accompany the film.

The Fledgling Fund Impact

While The Fledgling Fund typically does not fund narrative films, we felt that this film coupled with a strong curriculum guide would be a powerful vehicle for teaching tolerance and mutual understanding among middle school children in the U.S.