adel abidin anthem

During the 1930s in Germany, the Iraqi sports delegation faced an unexpected challenge during an international athletic event. All delegations were required to perform their national anthems, but Iraq lacked a vocal-based anthem at the time. In a paradoxical and somewhat embarrassing moment, with Adolf Hitler in attendance, the head of the Iraqi delegation chose to sing a children's Iraqi song written by an Iraqi Jew named Balboul, titled: "Belly Ya Balboul." The reaction from the massive crowd in the stadium was profound. This video serves as a pseudo-documentary, visually reimagining the event.

One channel video.
Duration: 00’03’00 min / 4k Digital / stereo / 4:3.
Composite Photograph / Dimensions: 14cm x 22cm / Vintage photo album.

Credits: Animation and special effects: Tommi Lehtonen / Producer: Katarina Holma / Woodpecker Production.

The artwork was commissioned by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Beirut.