Picture an Iraqi storyteller weaving tales of love, resilience, and identity amidst war and exile—meet Mortada Gzar! This award-winning novelist, filmmaker, and artist has captured hearts with his poignant memoir, I’m in Seattle, Where Are You?, a story that bridges cultures and shines a light on marginalized voices. From Basra’s war-torn streets to Seattle’s vibrant scene, Gzar’s journey is as captivating as his prose.
Born in Kuwait in 1982 and raised in Basra, Iraq, Gzar’s life is a testament to creativity thriving against all odds. His multifaceted talents—spanning literature, film, and visual art—make him a unique voice in contemporary storytelling, blending humor, heartache, and hope.
The Making of Mortada Gzar
Growing up in Basra during Iraq’s turbulent years, Gzar collected scrap metal in war zones as a child, an experience that shaped his vivid, grounded storytelling. Despite the chaos, he pursued a degree in petroleum engineering at the University of Baghdad, but his heart belonged to art. His early forays into writing and filmmaking revealed a knack for capturing the human spirit, influenced by Iraq’s rich cultural tapestry and his own identity as a gay man in a society where such truths were perilous. Gzar’s participation in the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program marked a turning point, amplifying his global reach.
Mortada Gzar’s Unforgettable Stories
Gzar’s memoir, I’m in Seattle, Where Are You?, is a lyrical masterpiece, longlisted for the PEN Translation Prize. It chronicles his love story with Morise, an African American soldier he met during the U.S. occupation of Iraq, and his journey to Seattle to find him. The narrative weaves childhood memories with the challenges of being openly gay in Iraq and confronting racism in America, all told with humor and heart.
His novels, like Sayyid Asghar Akbar and My Beautiful Cult, delve into Iraq’s marginalized communities, blending satire and tragedy. Gzar’s animated film Language, which won a Doha Film Institute grant, showcases his visual storytelling, while his journalism and political cartoons in Arabic newspapers amplify underrepresented voices. His work, translated into English in outlets like Words Without Borders, is celebrated for its imaginative depth and cultural nuance.
Gzar’s style is a vibrant mix of poetic prose, sharp wit, and unflinching honesty. Whether exploring love, war, or identity, he crafts stories that resonate universally, making readers laugh, cry, and reflect.
Why Mortada Gzar Matters
Gzar’s work transcends borders, offering a window into Iraq’s complexities and the universal quest for belonging. As a gay Iraqi artist, he challenges stereotypes, fostering empathy for marginalized communities. His creation of the Seattle Arab Film Festival highlights his commitment to cultural dialogue, making him a bridge between East and West. Gzar’s resilience—turning personal struggles into art—inspires readers to embrace their own stories.
- Born: 1982, Kuwait
- Key Works: I’m in Seattle, Where Are You?, Sayyid Asghar Akbar, My Beautiful Cult
- Awards: Doha Film Institute grant, PEN Translation Prize longlist
Snag I’m in Seattle, Where Are You? and dive into Mortada Gzar’s soulful, boundary-breaking world!