通往巴格达的路

　　In June 2003, Sergio Vieira de Mello, Kofi Annan's special envoy to Iraq, delivered a message of hope to a country shattered by war. His goals for Iraq were ambitious, and Vieira de Mello was prepared for the struggle. On August 19th, 2003, a bomb exploded just outside the UN headquarters in Baghdad; among the 22 people killed was Vieira de Mello, one of the most tireless and effective advocates for peace and stability the world has ever known. En Route to Baghdad, directed by Brazilian journalist Simone Duarte, is a documentary that traces the life and humanitarian work of the man who Kofi Annan described as "the one person in Iraq we could least afford to lose."
　　One of the most tireless and effective advocates for peace and stability the world has every known, the Brazilian born diplomat traversed the globe using his uncommon diplomatic skills to accomplish the impossible. Across nine countries on four continents, through the stories and reminiscences of dozens of colleagues and luminaries whose lives he touched-- from Mozambique, where he arrived in the seventies, to Cambodia, Timor Leste (East Timor) and North Korea, upon the invitation of King Sihanouk of Cambodia Sergio Vieira de Mello is remembered as someone who was there to help people in their hour of greatest need. This award documentary is "a testament to the power of diplomacy and the proven impact of an insouciant, simple charm that reaches people on a human level." (Sun Sentinel, Florida)
　　This documentary combines a fine objective balance between the realistic frustrations in political diplomacy and the optimistic humanism of a caring peacemaker. Very inspiring, it gives a closer look at the personal dimension in trying to resolve global conflicts.
　　It really seems to be a challenge to make a watchable documentary. In En Route to Baghdad, Simone Duarte has proven she is up for the task. Not only is the movie cleverly made, it is also fun to watch. I strongly recommend it and for a wide public: those interested in international relations and the Middle East, in particular, and also those who enjoy cunning documentaries. This is state-of-the-art journalism, presented in an entertaining, yet clever manner!