Structure

The short film “Baghdad Express” by Nimer Rashed has a non-chronological structure, mixing past and present events. It begins with images of a sewing machine, foreshadowing Maya’s interest in fashion. The film briefly shows the word “Present” (00:33), suggesting the following scenes take place in the present time, and that the images of the sewing machine take place in the past. 

The film then shows Maya, wearing high heels, walking fast, and putting on mascara before she enters a building, details which foreshadow her interview at the fashion school. The scene changes,...