OUT OF IRAQ Documentary Follows Two Soldiers as They Fight for Love in Iraq

OUT OF IRAQ is a documentary about two enlisted men in Iraq – one an Iraqi soldier, the other a U.S. translator – who fall in love before being forced to flee when one becomes the target for an honor killing. Nayyef and Btoo, the subjects of the new documentary, and director Chris McKim discuss the creation of the film, homosexuality in Iraq and the humanitarian efforts of Michael Failla in this episode of BYOD hosted by Ondi Timoner.

Guest Bio

Chris McKim, the director of OUT OF IRAQ, was the Executive Producer for Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce and RuPaul’s Drag Race Seasons 1-4 & All Stars.

OUT OF IRAQ: How far would you go to be with the love of your life? In 2003 in the midst of war, in a country where homosexuality is banned, two Iraqi men meet by chance and fall in love. Nayyef, a translator for the U.S. military, and Btoo, a soldier in the Iraqi army, face persecution—and possibly death—if they stay in their homeland. After obtaining a visa, Nayyef leaves his love behind, settling in Seattle with a determination to one day reunite with Btoo in a place where they can express their love freely and without fear.

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Episode Breakdown

00:01 Welcoming Nayyef Hrebid, Btoo Allami, and Chris McKim to BYOD.

01:45 How OUT OF IRAQ began.

02:40 Humanitarian and Entrepreneur Michael Failla.

06:04 OUT OF IRAQ, Clip: Finding love in the most dangerous place in the world.

09:10 Fifteen day mission and expressing each other’s love for one another.

11:04 OUT OF IRAQ, Clip: “I love you” moment.

13:42 Filming OUT OF IRAQ + meeting Nayyef and Btoo in Seattle.

17:50 Speaking English and becoming an LGBT activist.

24:00 OUT OF IRAQ, Clip: Punishing gay men.

30:45 Building tolerance towards the LGBT community.

34:45 Getting a visa.

37:46 OUT OF IRAQ, Clip: Nayyef and Btoo reunite.

Guest Bio

Chris McKim, the director of OUT OF IRAQ, was the Executive Producer for Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce and RuPaul’s Drag Race Seasons 1-4 & All Stars.