Zainab
Acting
Biography
Born in 1931 in Kut, Baghdad, the late artist Zainab grew up in a large family amid political tensions. Her household reflected diverse political affiliations, with one brother in the Independence Party and another a communist, while her father was religious and tolerant. Embracing her brother's communist ideals, Zainab faced challenges in her teaching career due to political opposition. Dismissed in 1953, she returned to work in 1958 after the political landscape changed. Zainab married Nouri Akbar, her fellow student, and began her artistic journey in cinema and later theater. Her groundbreaking play, "I Am Your Mother, Shaker," performed by the Modern Art Theater Group, set a record for the longest-running play in Iraq. Zainab gained rapid recognition, surpassing her peers. After the 1963 coup, she went into hiding in Kurdistan until 1964 and returned to Baghdad, facing personal and economic hardships. Zainab continued her artistic career, marrying Latif Saleh in the early 1970s. In 1979, they left Iraq, living in exile across various countries. She passed away in Sweden in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of notable works like "I Am Your Mother, Shaker," "The Uncle Vanja," "The Donkey Complex," and others.
Known For
A social drama about Abu Haila, who tries to impose his opinions on others. But his decisions turn out to be wrong every time and he finds himself in unexpected paradoxes.
Abu Haila
An Iraqi film follows the story of the teacher, Said, as he moves from one house to another, eventually settling in the home of Azzat, a neighboring coffee seller. The film unveils the hypocrisy of the neighborhood residents who conceal malicious intentions and feign love, all the while observing signs of neglect permeating the area. When the owner of the house requests Said to leave, the residents vehemently oppose his departure. They unite against the homeowner, sparking a confrontation between Said's son and Azzat's sons, ultimately prompting Said's son to seek revenge.
Said Effendi
In a suspenseful and dramatic setting, the story unfolds around a night guard who develops feelings for a beautiful widow in the neighborhood he watches over during the night. In the same residence, a painter resides who creates a painting for her. Believing there is a connection between the painter and the widow, the night guard proposes to her, but she rejects him. Subsequently, a burglary occurs in the house, resulting in the theft of the painting. However, a fire breaks out in the night guard's own house, ultimately aiding in the revelation of his crime.