Long Synopsis

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a controversial event that sparked an outpouring of public opinion and political debate. One aspect of the war that is often overlooked is the role of music as a means of expression and propaganda. This is the subject of a film that combines found footage and archival material to explore the impact of music on the Iraq War.

One particularly striking example of the use of music as propaganda occurred in 2003 when the US administration airlifted the entire orchestra in Iraq to Washington to perform once at the Kennedy Centre before President Bush. This gesture was widely seen as propagandistic, intended to promote neo-liberal values and avoid criticism during the invasion.

In contrast to this use of music to bolster the war effort, the Dixie Chicks, an American country music band from Dallas, Texas, made controversial comments on the night before the U.S. invasion of Iraq during an anti-war protest in London. Lead singer Natalie Maines expressed feeling embarrassed that the President of the US was from Texas. This comment was met with strong opposition from the American media, resulting in the Dixie Chicks being banned from radio and TV. However, three years after the Iraq War, Natalie made the same comment about President Bush once again.

These contrasting examples demonstrate the power of music to challenge political agendas. While the US government used music as a tool of propaganda, the Dixie Chicks used it as a means of expression and protest. The film that explores this theme offers a unique perspective on the Iraq War and the role of music in shaping public opinion.