Walnut Tree (درخت گردو)

In 1980, the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein attacked Iran with the intention of expanding its borders.

He believed he would win the war in a short time. But this did not happen.

As the war dragged on, Saddam decided to use unconventional weapons, to force Iran into a ceasefire.

Based on true events

This is the border village of Rash-Harme

December 2016.

We arrived this morning.

The people who have gathered here know the story.

Some less, and some more.

We all want the story to end differently, but it seems hopeless.

The one we are waiting for will never arrive.

This is a true story that many people still haven’t heard.

Even those of us involved in the story,

didn’t understand Ghader as much as we should have.

Until that day in the Hague courtroom.

Ghader spoke and it was like we were learning the story for the first time.

It is never too late to hear some things.

Maybe it’s time everyone learned about this story.

A story that began next to this walnut tree.

Walnut Tree

The old, damaged, walnut tree outside the village.

Somewhere under the blue skies.

Maybe even higher up, in the middle of the sky.

June 28th 1987.

It wasn't raining or snowing that day, and this made it more dangerous.

Ghader worked 3 kilometers from Rash-Harme in the village of Marghan.

The people living around the border were used to seeing fighter jets.

But for Ghader it was a different feeling.

He knew that his son Nasser loved planes.

- Where are you going Malmal? - I finished writing half of it.

Only half? Didn't you hear what your father said?

You have to finish it.

Good boy.

Ghader hadn't talked to his other son Malmal for three days to punish him.

I was the village teacher and partially to blame for this.

I'll show you!

Get back inside!

Wait a minute!

I didn't mean it!

You said he failed.

Yes, but he is a very good boy.

He doesn't study.

Don't beat him.

I never beat my children!

Come! Let's go.

- Hurry. - Go back inside.

Do you want me to tell dad to make up with you?

No. He isn't mad at me.

If he listened to you he would buy you a doll.

Shahin Ghader’s only daughter,

was still pining after a doll with golden hair that she'd seen in town.

Let's go.

I'll get it for you. Okay?

I'll get it.

Ghader had decided to buy her the doll after work that day.

He wanted to surprise his daughter.

Shahin! Dear!

Hurry here!

It's moving.

Can you hear it?

Is it nice?

After seven years Ghader and Maryam were having another child.

Shahin believed it was a girl.

This was a secret between mother and daughter.

Maryam? What's wrong?

Do you want to go home?

It's your brother's wedding.

That's okay. Do you want to leave?

No.

Are you worried about the baby?

Of course not! I'm worried about you.

I'm fine. Don't worry.

Are you sure?

Smile.

The fighter jets were supposed to bomb the city of Sardasht.

The time, the weather, the wind direction, everything was ideal.

Sometimes your life can change in the blink of an eye.

Right when you can't imagine it.

What was that?

Thank God it didn't explode.

As directed, the pilots released the extra ammunition on their way back,

so they could land safely.

Every pilot definitely had someone waiting for him at home.

I don't know, but for whatever reason,

the last remaining bomb was released without a target.

- Why don't you eat anything darling? - I don't want anything.

Nasser!

Nasser!

Malmal don't go!

Don't go!

Malmal!

Malmal don't go!

Push!

What happened?

Where are you?

Is that Nasser?

I'm here son.

I'll go.

Dad! My eyes!

I'm here son! I'm here!

Open your eyes! Open them!

In the year that I taught at the village school he was always very quiet.

But that day he was different.

Give me some water.

Ghader couldn't understand what was happening.

He thought everything would be fine once they got to the hospital at Sardasht.

Dad, my eyes! My eyes!

For someone who'd come to Sardasht to save his family,

it wasn't easy to deal with the things he saw.

Help me! Help!

What's going on here?

The roads are closed. Get out.

The town is contaminated!

The injured should head to the hospital!

Sir!

Sir!

Doctor!

Can you walk?

- My eyes burn! - It's okay. Get up.

Ma'am! My wife is pregnant.

Take the children.

Hang this somewhere.

Go be with the children. They are alone.

What about you?

Go Ghader! Get up! Get up and go.

Doctor!

Doctor!

Call the doctor!

Go inside.

Breathe! Breathe!

Give him an injection. Quick!

What are you doing here?!

They dropped a bomb on the village.

Oh my God!

Where is Homa?

They're my children!

Don't get close to the injured. Get back.

Why?

It's contagious. It can kill you.

I'm coming son!

You have to change your clothes. Move!

He can't see!

Change your clothes. Move back.

They're crying!

I'll stay with them. Move back.

Stay by the doctor.

I'll be right back son.

Doctor my children are dying. They can’t breathe.

Wash his children's eyes.

You can't do anything. It's dangerous for you.

They are my children!

- It's a chemical attack. - But they're my children!

I'm okay. Go to the children.

Homa!

Give her some clothes.

Go! Go to the tanker.

What's wrong?!

Don't be afraid!

It's me!

Don't be afraid.

Is that better?

I'm here! I'm here! I'm sorry!

Daddy, what will I do with the exam if my eyes don't get better?

You'll get better. Don't worry.

Daddy, are you still mad at me?

Stay here.

Do you like playing in water?

I'm here son!

Don't cry. I'm right here.

The bus to Saghez is leaving.

Get them some IVs and syringes.

Prepare the patients for the bus to Tabriz.

- Why didn’t you wash these two? - I couldn't do it.

You can't take your wife.

She shouldn't move.

I should leave her alone here?!

You can't get on the bus with the injured.

I'll take them. Homa will look after them.

You have to stay here.

Get up Homa.

I said get up.

Let go of my hand.

I told you, if you leave I'll stay.

I came to this darn place for your sake.

You didn't talk to me for 6 months, but I stayed.

I came here with you, and I'll leave with you.

You came here for your own sake. For your guilty conscience.

And you will stay here now!

They need you, I don't.

I can't do anything here.

They don't even have enough water to wash!

- They're all going to die! - Be quiet!

Do you know what you're saying?!

What did you say?

Nothing. He's just upset.

I'm going alone.

Doctor!

If everyone is going to die here, let me take Maryam with me.

Don't worry. I didn't mean it.

Get them on the bus.