Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream (TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

In war-torn Baghdad, a diabetic 9-year-old seeks his dead parents through a mythical gate to Irkalla.

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream, Mohamed Al Daradji

Irkalla: Gilgamesh’s Dream (2025) follows the story of a young boy named Chum Chum, his best friend Moody, and his dream of escaping war-torn Iraq for the Netherlands. Chum Chum deals with the loss of his parents through fantasy stories from a historical figure named Gilgamesh. With rich, and conflicting cinematography, used to intensify their livelihoods, we follow stories of resilience, courage and loss through the eyes of children navigating war zones, and making peace with their new realities.

★ ★ ★ 

Release Date: September 4th 2025 (TIFF)
Director(s): Mohamed Al Daradji Written: Mohamed Al Daradji, Karim Traidia Producers: Mohamed Al Daradji, Talal Alasmani Starring: Youssef Husham Al-Thahabi, Ameer Jabarah Cinematographer: Saed Nikzat Distributor: MPM Premium
Runtime: 107 minutes