Duraid Munajim

Movies

Canadian, Sniper
Cinematography
On his 1st trip back from war in Afghanistan (or is it 2nd?) an Army sniper tries to re-integrate peacefully into civilian life on a remote Northern farm. Silently struggling with the haunting confusion of PTSD, where time loops on itself and reality+fantasy are blurred, he has to contain violent urges and figure out what happened to his father.
La switch
Cinematography
A sniper returns home from Afghanistan to his small Northern town. Confronted with the mundane reality of everyday life he longs for the release provided by shooting. Slowly his need for regimented military discipline takes over leading to violent confrontation.
Hanging Gardens
Director of Photography
When As’ad, a 12-year-old rubbish picker, adopts an American sex doll from the Baghdad dumps, he crosses into a perilous red zone, finding himself caught in the crossfire between abusive forces of commercialism and fundamentalism in a world where defenders of humanism have lost their power. He embraces the courage it takes to not just survive, but live.
And Still I Sing
Cinematography
Afghan Star, Afghanistan's answer to American Idol, is a raging success. For 13 straight seasons, the show has featured exclusively male winners—until the historic year of 2019. When Zahra threw her hat into the ring, she dreamed of emulating the success of her singing coach and Afghan Star judge Aryana Sayeed. A household name in Afghanistan, controversial and bold Aryana has paved the way for success in a country where entertainment is risky business for women. And Still I Sing follows Aryana and her protégée Zahra as she emerges as a favourite in the final episodes of the 14th season, right up to the American military withdrawal and Taliban takeover in 2021. Through their story, the film reminds us that for over half a century now, the right of Afghan women to artistic expression has never been a given and continues to be contested.
The Forbidden Reel
Director of Photography
According to the official history of Afghanistan, ruthless destruction has always prevailed over art and creation; but there is another tale to be told, the forgotten account of a diverse and progressive country, seen through the lens of innovative filmmakers, a story that survives thanks to a few brave Afghans, a small but very passionate group that secretly fought to save a huge film archive that was constantly menaced by war and religious fanaticism.
This Is Not a Movie: Robert Fisk and the Politics of Truth
Director of Photography
For more than forty years, British journalist Robert Fisk has reported on some of the most violent conflicts in the world, from Northern Ireland to the Middle East, always with his feet on the ground and a notebook in hand, travelling into landscapes devastated by war, ferreting out the facts and sending reports to the media he works for with the ambition of catching the interest of an audience of millions.
Phantom of Winnipeg
Cinematography
When Brian De Palma's 1974 film Phantom of the Paradise was released, it was considered a failure almost everywhere. Except in the Canadian city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here is the story of a town and its love for the now cult classic.
The Seven Last Words
Director of Photography
The Seven Last Words sounds out the experiential states and rituals particular to humanity, based on seven themes expressed in an oratorio: forgiveness, hope, relation, abandonment, distress, triumph, and life after the death.
The Journey
Director of Photography
Sara enters Baghdad station with sinister intentions for its reopening ceremony. As she braces to commit an unthinkable act, her plans are drastically altered by an unwanted and awkward encounter with Salam, a self-assured and flirtatious salesman. With Salam now hostage to Sara’s confused and deluded plan, he battles desperately to appeal to her humanity and sway her decision. In a moment of consideration and with her convictions crumbling before her, Sara is given the opportunity to witness the life and innocence she was so willing to destroy. But is this a second chance or an admission of guilt?
Rupture
Camera Operator
A single mom tries to break free from a mysterious organization that has abducted her.
Path of Maryam
Cinematography
Film about a father who takes his 8 years old daughter from Basrah to Karbala searching a cure for cancer
The Girl Next Door
Director of Photography
When Evette moves into a new apartment, she learns she can hear her neighbors through the wall. Can her detached obsession take the place of her longing for human connection?
Sugar Sisters
Second Unit Director of Photography
A documentary that follows Hannah and her sisters, Amalia and Caroline, as they enter the highly controversial world of Sugar-Dating. Hoping for a Sugar Daddy with deep pockets to pay their bills, it turns out dating older, wealthy men for money isn't as sweet as it sounds.
The Unspeakable Act
Director of Photography
17-year-old Jackie is in distress as her older brother Matthew gets his first girlfriend and prepares for college. Though Matthew does not share her incestuous desire, Jackie fights the intrusion of reality on her idyllic childhood world.
The Hurt Locker
Camera Operator
During the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work.
Redacted
Camera Operator
A fictional documentary discusses the effects the Iraq war has had on soldiers and local people through interviews with members of an American military unit, the media, and local Iraqis.
All the Ships at Sea
Director of Photography
Evelyn Bell, a Catholic professor of theology, and her younger sister Virginia are reunited after many years when Virginia returns home in a depression after being ejected from a religious cult. At a lakeside retreat in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the sisters try to reestablish their relationship, talking about their very different systems of belief, and about the oppressive childhood that still hangs over them.
Honeymoon
Assistant Camera
Mimi and Michael are close friends after a brief and unsuccessful dating interlude years before. Michael has remained in love with Mimi over the years, but Mimi, who has just broken up with her long-time boyfriend, seems willing to try romance with Michael a second time. The spark between them is kindled again, however, during a weekend picnic outing, Mimi, suddenly enthusiastic, proposes to Michael abruptly. The two marry and head off on a honeymoon to Pennsylvania without ever having slept with each other.