Path of Maryam

We are in Iraq, on an endless road. In the distance, we see Maryam and her father walking. Where are they going? Maryam is so small, the road is incredibly long. They are walking towards Kerbala – the holy place in Shia Islam. How far is it left? For how long can Maryam continue to walk, even when she gets to rest on her father’s shoulders? The father seems desperate. What’s on his mind? Is he tired as well? They walk among a group of people who have joined them, all moving towards the same goal, Kerbala, but each with their own reasons. What is Maryam and her father longing for? Suddenly, Maryam is alone – her father has disappeared. Two brothers take care of her, and try to help her find her father. But, what if he doesn’t want to be found? At the same time, the remorseful father is looking for Maryam. But what if she is nowhere to be found?

Atia Jbara Al-Daraji is an Iraqi director and producer. He founded the production company Iraq Al Rafidain Company in 2014, same year as he directed the documentary In My Mother’s Arms. This film tells the story of orphans in Iraq, and was screened at more than 50 festivals. Path of Maryam is Al-Darajis first feature film.