Watch Operation Filmmaker

Operation Filmmaker is a 2007 documentary that follows the true story of Muthana Mohmed, an Iraqi film student who was selected to work as a production assistant on the Hollywood film, "Everything is Illuminated". The documentary is directed by Nina Davenport, who is also a character in the film. The story begins in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, when Mohmed's film school in Baghdad was destroyed. Davenport, who had worked with Mohmed before, learned of his situation and invited him to come to Prague to work on the film. Mohmed, thrilled at the opportunity to work on a Hollywood production, accepted the offer and headed to Prague.

The director of "Everything is Illuminated", Liev Schreiber, initially welcomed Mohmed to the set and assigned him to work with the production team. However, as the days went on, it became clear that Mohmed was struggling to adapt to life in Prague. He missed his family, was homesick and having trouble communicating with the crew due to the language barrier.

Davenport, who had befriended Mohmed, realized that he was struggling and attempted to help him. However, as the documentary progresses, it becomes apparent that Mohmed is not content to simply work as a lowly production assistant. He dreams of becoming a filmmaker, and he starts to ask for more responsibility on set.

As the film progresses, tensions begin to rise between Mohmed and the crew, and misunderstandings begin to mount. Schreiber becomes frustrated with Mohmed's lack of focus, and Mohmed becomes disillusioned with the glamorous image of Hollywood that he had once imagined.

The documentary provides insight into the cultures of both Iraq and America, and it shows how difficult it can be to bridge the gap between the two. Mohmed's story is a poignant reminder of how challenging it can be to assimilate to a new culture, and how cultural misunderstandings can cause conflict even between people who are trying to be friends.

The film is not just about Mohmed's journey, but also about the documentarian's own personal journey. As a director, Davenport struggles with how to tell Mohmed's story. She questions whether she is simply exploiting Mohmed's situation for her own gain, or whether she is truly helping him. The film raises important questions about the relationship between documentary filmmakers and their subjects, and it explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when one person attempts to tell another person's story.

In addition to Mohmed and Davenport, the documentary features many other fascinating characters, including Mohmed's Iraqi-American translator, his Prague host family, the crew of "Everything is Illuminated", and even Schreiber's mother. Each character brings their own unique perspective to the story, and the documentary is a rich tapestry of different viewpoints and experiences.

The cinematography and editing of the film are also noteworthy. The documentary is shot in a gritty, hand-held style that gives the film a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The editing is tight and ensures that the pacing of the film never lags, even during the slower, more contemplative moments.

Overall, Operation Filmmaker is a fascinating documentary that explores important themes of culture, communication, and the responsibilities of documentary filmmakers. It is a poignant reminder of the struggles that people face when they attempt to adapt to a new culture, and it provides a powerful commentary on the role that storytelling can play in bridging cultural divides. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking, cross-cultural communication, or simply learning more about the complexities of the human experience.