Letters from Baghdad(PG)
20th Oct 2026Sabine Krayenbuehl, Zeva Oelbaum - 2016 95 mins
US/UK
Language English
This compelling documentary, directed by Zeva Oelbaum and Sabine Krayenbuehl, chronicles the extraordinary life of Gertrude Bell, often described as the female Lawrence of Arabia. Executive produced and voiced by Tilda Swinton, the film relies entirely on Bell's own letters, diaries and historical archives to construct her journey. An influential British archaeologist, explorer and spy, Bell navigated the male-dominated echelons of colonial power. She played a pivotal role in drawing the borders of modern Iraq after World War I, creating a legacy that continues to impact global politics today.