Once Upon a Time in Iraq

2020 - 2020

War

Episode 1

As war began, many Iraqis were hopeful. Ahmed Al Bashir, now a famous comedian, remembers practising his English with US troops before the realities of occupation became clear.

Insurgency

Episode 2

The Iraqi insurgency is examined through Lt Colonel Sassaman’s descent into the darkest regions of his psyche.

Fallujah

Episode 3

The infamous battle of Fallujah is told by eye-witness accounts from journalists, soldiers and civilians.

Saddam

3rd August 2020

Episode 4

CIA analyst John Nixon is the first person to interrogate Saddam.

Legacy

10th August 2020

Episode 5

The emergence of ISIS concludes the brutal legacy of the Iraq War.

Top Cast

Ashley Gilbertson•Andy Serkis•George W. Bush

Director

James Bluemel

With unique personal archive from civilians and soldiers from both sides of the conflict, this series takes viewers closer to the realities of war and life under Isis than they have ever been before.

Watch Providers 🇬🇧

BBC iPlayer

Production Companies

+2 more

Full Cast

Ashley Gilbertson

Self

Andy Serkis Image

Andy Serkis

Narrator

George W. Bush Image

George W. Bush

Self (archive footage)

Tony Blair Image

Tony Blair

Self (archive footage)

Saddam Hussein Image

Saddam Hussein

Self (archive footage)

Dexter Filkins

Self

John Nixon

Self

Full Crew

James Bluemel

Director

Jo Abel

Producer

Will Anderson

Executive Producer

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