Backstabbing for Beginners
Twenty-four-year old Michael Sullivan changes his job from lobbying to one within the UN diplomatic corps. He accepts the job despite feeling that the interview had gone poorly. His father, and older sister were diplomats. The latter was also killed in Beirut in 1983. He feels that it is his DNA to help make a difference. Assistant to Costa Pasaris, Pasha is the Undersecretary of the Oil for Food Program. This program was the biggest humanitarian aid program ever created by the Organization. This program will see Iraqi oil being sold at the market price with all proceeds not going to Saddam Hussein’s regime. In exchange, food and medicine are provided to those who suffered under Hussein’s regime. Pasha soon sees Michael as an important and trusted aide to the program. This is especially true against internal critics like Christina Dupre (Field Director in Iraq), who thinks the program is corrupt. Michael is aware of signs that the program has been corrupted while in Baghdad. For example, expired medications being given to hospitals and clinics in Iraq. He doesn’t trust Nashim Hussani as his Iraqi interpreter until then. This is when he realizes that bigger problems are at work, such as the fate of his predecessor. Although he knew he was in an accident and was seriously injured, Nashim suggests that his information about the program was used to murder him. Michael must decide which person to trust when there is conflicting information from Pasha and Nashim. Michael must decide what he can do to bring about justice, regardless of any repercussions for his diplomatic career. –Huggo
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Director: Per Fly
Actors: Belçim Bilgin, Ben Kingsley, Brian Markinson, Jacqueline Bisset, Rachel Wilson, Rossif Sutherland, Theo James
Country: Canada, Denmark, United States
