About Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (HBO)

"Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" is an HBO documentary film that first aired in 2007. The film is directed by Rory Kennedy and explores the human rights abuses that occurred at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq by U.S. forces post-2003 Iraq invasion. It includes testimonies from military personnel who were involved in the abuse, as well as the former prisoners who suffered under it. Through their firsthand accounts, the documentary delves into the systemic and individual failures that led to the notorious scandal.

Making / Production

The film was produced by HBO Documentary Films and directed by Rory Kennedy. It was completed in a year, featuring significant effort in researching and sourcing valuable materials like photographs, interviews, documents, and videos related to the abuse at Abu Ghraib prison. Kennedy's intention was to uncover the truth and inform the public of the horrific events that took place.

Actors

• Interview subjects: As a documentary, the film mainly consists of interviews with military personnel, former prisoners, and human rights experts. Each played their part as 'themselves', providing firsthand accounts and expert analysis.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film takes its name from the famous Abu Ghraib prison located near Baghdad in Iraq, where the abuse took place.
• Director Rory Kennedy is the youngest child of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
• The film includes the controversial photographs that were leaked to the public, causing international outrage.

Awards

"Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Special in 2007. It was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "You can't imagine what a human being can do to another human being." - former Abu Ghraib prisoner
• "This wasn't just a matter of individual acts of abuse... This was systemic." - military officer

Music, Soundtrack

• The evocative and thought-provoking music score was composed by Miriam Cutler, contributing substantially to the atmosphere and emotional gravity of the documentary.