A sparkling young Baghdadi woman, Kawkab, leads us around her city with a mischievous glint. Defying the stereotype of the Muslim woman, she is not afraid to speak her mind about anything, from sex, love and virginity to her pro-Saddam patriotism.

The film paints an unique picture of the current situation in Iraq from her perspective -- totally different from the U.S. media's coverage as it measures the cost of war by body-counts and dollars spent. Kawkab reveals an intimate and human side of Baghdad, speaking with compelling optimism of her hopes and joys. She visits a neighborhood beauty parlor where many brides come to have their make- up and hair done. The women, remembering Saddam's era as "the good old days," express their feelings about the U.S. occupation with great candor. Whatever goodwill they felt towards the U.S. has evaporated due to the extreme insecurity, lack of jobs and public services and the rising cost of living they are experiencing. Tired of these gloomy discussions, Kawkab is more curious about how the brides feel about losing their virginity after their weddings. Her overt curiosity turns even a shopping trip into an insightful look into a complex society in massive upheaval. She voices issues faced by women in Iraq and in the Arab world at large.

"This alternative vision of life in war-torn Baghdad, coupled with Kawab's screen talent and humour, make this a timely and extraordinary documentary." Catherine Simpson, RealTime, Sydney, Australia, 2006

"The film is especially valuable because it is one of the few Iraq War documentaries to focus primarily on women's experiences. and Kawkab discusses her experience as a single woman with remarkable candor..." The Chutry Experiment

Middle East Studies Association, 2006
Museum of Modern Art, N.Y., 2006
Cinema Du Reel, Paris, 2005
Official Selection, The World Film Festival of Bangkok, 2005
Official Selection, Montreal International Documentary Film Festival, 2005
Official Selection, Istanbul International Film Festival, 2005