On the Banks of the Tigris: The Hidden Story of Iraqi Music

On the Banks of the Tigris: The Hidden Story of Iraqi Music - Melodies that exile couldn’t silence

This compelling documentary follows Majid Shokor, an Iraqi-born exile living in Australia, on a mission to uncover Iraq's lost musical heritage.

After discovering that many classic Iraqi songs were composed by Jewish musicians, Majid travels to Israel, Europe, and Iraq to track down the people and stories behind this forgotten legacy. In a time when cultural identity is often politicized or erased, Majid’s journey is a tribute to what binds us: music, memory, and shared roots.

Along the way, he meets fellow Iraqis —Muslims, Christians, and Jews—who all hold the same love for the melodies of their homeland. The film concludes with a triumphant concert at London’s Barbican Centre, where musicians reunite across boundaries to celebrate a common past. As war and displacement continue to divide the Middle East, this film reminds us of the unifying power of art and remembrance.