International Competition

The war between Iran and Iraq spanned almost the entire 1980s and cost 1.5 million lives. As young men, Iranian Zahed and Iraqi Najah fought on opposing sides of the front. They survived the war, both physically and mentally, because of each other. When Najah was badly wounded on the battlefield, Zahed risked his own life to save him. It was a decision that gave Zahed back his sense of humanity – he was still just a child at the time, and he had been forced to carry out unimaginable cruelties. Now, after 25 years and many trials and tribulations, they meet again by chance in Canada. Zahed and Najah each tell their own story of loss, destiny and redemption. In subdued tones, the film reveals their gripping and miraculous tale. With great creativity and subtlety, the filmmakers use animations and photographic effects to bring the two men’s recollections to life.