Hands of God
They endured thirteen years of war, dozens of bombings each and every month, but their focus was on one goal: to become Olympic champions. Hands of God is the true story of the Iraqi National Boxing Team – Waheed, Jafaar, and Saadi - and their amazing journey from desperation to the edge of an historic qualification. The film follows a group of young men who, with grit and determination, rise to fight for their Nation while defending their lives on the battlefields. When their gym is devastated by a bomb attack, they train outside. Despite living under the persistent threat of ISIS, these men re-define commitment and sacrifice as they strive to accomplish their dreams.
Will Private Waheed find enough time to for training while undertaking his army duty? Will young Jafaar maintain his focus while living in the most dangerous suburb in the world? Will promising heavyweight Saadi come back from his mission to liberate Falluja? From Al Sadr City to Rio de Janeiro, Hands of God is a stunning tale of hope and redemption. Executive Producer: Alfonso Cuaron.
"I highly recommend this documentary for collections in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, History or Sport for use by general audiences." - Lara Fountaine, NC State University Libraries, EMRO
"Recommended for both sports and international/pan-Arabic affairs collections." - Video Librarian
DVD Features
Discs: 1
- ""... truly compelling. Hands of God is ... honestly quite powerful."
- "Riccardo Romani’s “Hands of God” is a beautiful documentary about the Iraqi boxing teams who suffered through thirteen years of war, Their story is one of hope and redemption."
- "HANDS OF GOD [is[ a compelling documentary telling the true story of the Iraqi National Boxing Team and their amazing journey from desperation to the edge of an historic qualification. Hands of God is an enjoyable and educational watch...."
- "Hands of God is a story of perseverance but also an eye-opening look at the struggles of the Iraqi people and the damage ISIS has done to them. You will wonder at how the Iraqi people, particularly those featured in the film, continue to have hope and continue to work towards qualifying for the Olympics. You will find yourself cheering them on at every match as well as experiencing their heartbreaks and their triumphs. I highly recommend this documentary for collections in Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, History or Sport for use by general audiences."
- "Recommended for both sports and international/pan-Arabic affairs collections. "
Gallery
Awards & Recognition
Taormina Film Festival