Tag: movies

A Chaldean American Storyteller: The Documentary That Has Been a Lifetime in the Making

Featured by Weam Namou, posted in film, Uncategorized

Some stories take a lifetime to tell. Not because they are complicated, but because the person telling them needs to live long enough, learn enough, and heal enough to finally sit down and say: this is where I come from.

A Chaldean American Storyteller is that story for me. It is a documentary about my journey from Baghdad to America, about what it means to carry an ancient heritage into a modern world, and about the invisible thread that connects everything I have ever written, filmed, and built. I previously made history as the first Chaldean American to direct a feature documentary, The Great American Family. This film is my second feature documentary and third feature film overall, and it blends AI technology with real archival footage to tell one family’s journey.

Where This Documentary Comes From

I have spent more than thirty  years telling stories. Through 20+ books, two feature films, and my work as executive director of the world’s first and only Chaldean Museum, I have tried to preserve a culture that has survived for thousands of years. My film Pomegranate screened in 25 countries and won over 50 international awards. My memoir Chaldean Storyteller in Baghdad traces the childhood that shaped everything that came after. But there is a larger story that connects all of these pieces, and a documentary is the only way to tell it.

A Chaldean American Storyteller follows the arc of my life from a small concrete house in 1970s Baghdad to the work I do today as an author, filmmaker, and cultural preservationist in the United States. It is not just about me. It is about my family, my community, and the Chaldean people, descendants of the ancient Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It is the story of what happens when an ancient people meet the modern world, and what is lost and found in the space between.

The global documentary film market was valued at approximately $12.96 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $20.7 billion by 2033. Audiences are increasingly drawn to authentic personal narratives, with the social and cultural genre dominating documentary viewership worldwide. (Source: Business Research Insights, 2024)

Where Ancient Heritage Meets Artificial Intelligence

What makes this documentary unlike anything that has come before is how it is being made. A Chaldean American Storyteller is the first Chaldean documentary to use artificial intelligence alongside real archival clips and footage from the past. AI is being used not to replace the truth of the story, but to bring it to life in ways that were previously impossible.

When you are telling the story of a childhood in Baghdad during the 1970s, there are no film crews waiting to capture it. There are no professional recordings of the rooftops where we slept under the stars, or the neighborhood streets where children played marbles until dark, or the bakeries where fresh bread came tumbling out of ovens that had been baking for five thousand years. These moments existed only in memory. Through a thoughtful blend of AI-assisted reconstruction and authentic archival material, this documentary allows viewers to see and feel a world that would otherwise remain invisible.

The AI in film market is projected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2024 to $14.1 billion by 2033, with documentary filmmakers at the forefront of adopting AI for archival restoration, scene reconstruction, and narrative enhancement. (Source: Market.us, “AI in Film Market” report, 2024)

This is not a gimmick. This is the future of heritage storytelling. When communities have been displaced, when wars have erased physical records, and when the people who remember are growing older, technology becomes a bridge between what was and what can still be preserved. That is exactly how AI is being used in this project: as a tool of preservation, not replacement.

A Historic Milestone in Chaldean American Filmmaking

When I directed Pomegranate, I became the first Iraqi‑American woman to write and direct a feature film. Earlier, with The Great American Family, I made history as the first Chaldean American to direct a feature documentary.

I share this not for the title, but because representation matters—especially when you come from a community whose stories have largely been told by others. The Chaldean people are among the oldest continuous ethnic groups in the world, yet our presence in mainstream film and media remains rare.

A Chaldean American Storyteller continues that path. It is told from the inside, by someone who lived it, and it uses emerging technology to honor the past while reaching toward the future.

Industry research shows an increasing focus on diverse voices and underrepresented perspectives in documentary filmmaking, with audiences and platforms actively seeking content that provides authentic first-person narratives from communities whose stories have historically been absent from mainstream media. (Source: Data Horizon Research, Documentary Market Trends)

What This Documentary Will Bring to the World

A Chaldean American Storyteller is for anyone who believes that the stories of small, displaced communities matter just as much as the stories we see on the evening news. It is for Chaldean Americans who want to see their heritage on screen. It is for the children and grandchildren of immigrants who are searching for a way to understand where their families came from. And it is for anyone who is curious about how AI can be used responsibly and beautifully to tell stories that would otherwise be lost to time.

I am pouring into this project everything I have learned from writing 20+ books, from directing two feature films, from running the world’s only Chaldean Museum, and from the spiritual practices that have shaped my life through The Path of Consciousness. This is not just a film. It is the culmination of a life spent in service of storytelling.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: Weam at work on the documentary, or a portrait that captures her as filmmaker/storyteller]

Stay Close to This Story

This project is in motion, and I look forward to sharing more as it unfolds. If this resonates with you, if you are someone who believes in the power of storytelling and cultural preservation, I would love for you to follow along. There will be more to come, and I want you to be part of it.

In the meantime, if you want to experience the story that inspired this documentary, my memoir Chaldean Storyteller in Baghdad is available now on Amazon. And for a deeper look into the history of the Chaldean people, Chaldean Chronicles traces the lineage of a people whose name is among the oldest still in use.

For more than 20 years, I have shared my work through books, workshops, retreats, seminars, and personal consultations. I love helping writers and creatives develop their voice, strengthen their craft, and bring their unique vision into the world. Learn more at weamnamou.com.

Love and Blessings,

Weam

How The World’s Fastest Indian Inspired My Filmmaking Journey

by Weam Namou, posted in chaldeans, Communication, community, Consciousness, film, Spirituality, writing

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured in Racing News’ article, 7 Lesser-Known Motorsports Documentaries That Had a Profound Impact. In this piece, I had the opportunity to discuss my love for the film The World’s Fastest Indian, which has been a deeply inspiring work for me both as a viewer and as a filmmaker.

If you haven’t seen it, The World’s Fastest Indian tells the true story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander who, in his 60s, set a land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats on his modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle. The film, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, is a testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and the power of following your dreams, no matter the obstacles.

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Why This Film Resonates With Me

What struck me most about The World’s Fastest Indian was Burt Munro’s determination to pursue his dream, even at an age when most people might think it’s too late. He didn’t rely on fancy equipment or unlimited resources—he simply had the confidence, grit, and ingenuity to make things happen. Watching him work tirelessly on his old, beat-up motorcycle and take it to the world stage is nothing short of inspiring.

At the time I first watched the film, I was at a place in my life where it felt like my projects were taking forever to complete. It felt as if I would never reach the finish line. But movies like this, based on true stories, remind you of what’s possible. They show you that the hardships you’re facing have been faced by others before you—and that they didn’t let those challenges stop them.

The World’s Fastest Indian humanizes the struggles of chasing a dream. It’s not just about speed or racing; it’s about creativity, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that you can achieve greatness no matter the odds.

Lessons for Filmmaking and Life

As a filmmaker, I strive to tell meaningful, authentic stories filled with love, humor, and cultural significance—stories that help audiences learn about my ancient Chaldean Iraqi community while finding universal connections. Much like Burt Munro’s story, my work often touches on the power of determination and the beauty of human connection.

What makes The World’s Fastest Indian so impactful is how it educates, entertains, and inspires all at once. It shows that you don’t need perfection or privilege to achieve something extraordinary. You just need the vision, the determination, and the confidence to see it through.

That’s a lesson I carry with me in my own work. Whether I’m navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking or sharing stories from my heritage, I remind myself that the finish line is always within reach—as long as I don’t give up.

The Power of True Stories

Films like The World’s Fastest Indian show us that the hardships we face are not unique—and that’s comforting. They remind us that perseverance is universal and that many before us have overcome similar obstacles to achieve their dreams. Stories like these help us push forward, knowing that the struggle is part of the journey.

This is the kind of storytelling I aspire to create. Whether it’s exploring the traditions of my Chaldean Iraqi community or showing the universal struggles of following a dream, I aim to craft work that feels intimate and meaningful—like sharing a meal with someone and walking away with a deeper connection.

Read More

You can read the full article where I share my thoughts on The World’s Fastest Indian and its impact on my filmmaking journey here: 7 Lesser-Known Motorsports Documentaries That Had a Profound Impact.

I’d love to hear from you—have you seen The World’s Fastest Indian? What films have inspired you to push through challenges and pursue your dreams? Let me know in the comments!

Pomegranate at the United States Naval Academy

by Weam Namou, posted in Books, chaldeans, Communication, community, film, Iraqi American, Pomegranate, Spirituality

A few weeks ago, my film Pomegranate was shown in a class at the United States Naval Academy as part of their engagement series. The film has been screened in many places, but this particular experience left a profound impact on me, not only because of the thoughtful questions and discussions that followed but also because of one student—a young woman with Palestinian roots who interviewed me afterward.

A Shared Mission to Change the Narrative

Our interview began with the usual questions about the film’s themes and creative process, but it quickly turned into a deeply personal conversation that extended far beyond the allotted time. She spoke about her desire to change the narrative surrounding the Arab world, to break down barriers and dispel the negativity that often dominates the discourse. I realized how much we had in common—not just in our aspirations but in the struggles we’ve faced as women of Middle Eastern backgrounds trying to tell stories that challenge stereotypes.

Both of us were deeply affected by the events of October 7. Beyond the violence, we felt the weight of stereotypes we’ve worked so hard to dispel being reinforced and amplified. It’s disheartening to see how much of the Arab-American experience is overshadowed by narratives that don’t represent us. Those who don’t share mainstream views are often silenced, left to endure images and stories that perpetuate division rather than understanding.

The Stories They Don’t Want You to Hear

When I think about my time in Ramallah many years ago, I don’t recall the conflict as much as I remember the warmth of the people, the humor, the hospitality in every home, and the love that flowed freely between neighbors. I even remember the playful flirting between handsome Israeli soldiers at checkpoints and beautiful Palestinians—a moment of humanity in the midst of tension.

These are the stories people don’t want to hear, the ones that don’t fit the divisive narratives. They don’t make headlines because they don’t serve the agendas of those who profit from conflict. And unfortunately, even within our own communities, there are challenges. Whether it’s extremists canceling a book talk about Pomegranate or others refusing to support a screening because the film promotes the idea of women making choices, it’s clear that some are more invested in controlling narratives than fostering dialogue.

But for every roadblock, there’s someone like that young woman at the Naval Academy, whose passion and praise for the film reminded me why I do what I do. She called Pomegranate a beautiful and courageous movie, and applauded me for the work. Her words stayed with me long after our conversation ended yesterday.

Embracing the Positive Feedback

For decades, I’ve faced pressures from all sides. Non-Middle Easterners have encouraged me to write stories that “sell,” focusing on sensational topics like honor killings. Meanwhile, some Middle Easterners have expected me to mask our stories, pretending that our issues don’t exist. Neither approach has served us.

Instead, I’ve chosen to focus on the beauty and authenticity of our stories, and the feedback I’ve received from audiences, such as for Pomegranate, has been overwhelmingly affirming.

From non-Middle Eastern viewers:

  • “This is a genius movie.”
  • “Pomegranate is a very courageous and timely production.”
  • “I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film. The comedic relief was done perfectly and didn’t take away from the seriousness of the story.”
  • “This was a strong movie, with strong characters.”

From Middle Eastern viewers:

  • “I liked the way you brought the sensitive topics in an open-ended and elegant way. It wasn’t how other Arabic movies try to politicize such topics.”
  • “The story was perfect. The characters were perfect. The cinematography was perfect. The editing was perfect. The music was perfect. Everything was different. Don’t change any of the team in part two.”

Moving Forward

If Pomegranate has resonated with even one person, like that young woman at the Naval Academy, then it’s all worth it. For her and for others who have commended the film, I will continue to tell stories that celebrate the humanity, love, and resilience of our communities.

The journey isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. In a world that often seeks to divide, I’ll keep focusing on the beauty and complexity of our shared experiences, breaking down barriers one story at a time.

Pomegranate, which has won over 40 international awards, is streaming in 25 countries. You can click here to find out where to watch it

Pomegranate