Messi Baghdad is on the shortlist for the Oscar for Best Short Film Fiction.
Sahim Omar Kalifa is currently in Los Angeles to present the film as part of a program of short films that the American Cinematheque organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Belgium. "I heard the news while I was in a restaurant with other Belgians. My first impression is indescribable. I've won more than 70 awards with my shorts but today is the happiest day of my life. "
Messi Baghdad tells the story of young Hamoudi, who, like the other children in the village where he lives, is a football fan especially from Lionel Messi. On the eve of the final of the Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United, the television refuse to play. Hamoudi then convinced his father to go to repair the device in Baghdad.
The short film has already toured the world with more than 150 selections in festivals and 46 awards and special mentions. The previous film Sahim Omar Kalifa, Land of the Heroes has also been shown in numerous festivals and his latest film, Bad Hunter, has now embarked on a successful international career.
The final list will be announced on January 15 and if the Belgian short film is there.
The scenario of Baghdad Messi was written by Sahim Omar Kalifa and Kobe Van Steenberghe. The latter produced the film with Hendrik Verthe for a production team (Image, The Circle). The film was supported by the Flanders Audiovisual Fund / Cinema Fund of the Ministry of Culture Sven Gatz.
