Mesocafe

With its Arab, Assyrian, Jewish and Kurdish heritage, the Iraqi community of London forms a backdrop for the story of Bisan and Yusif as they negotiate a courtship in the run-up to the 2003 war. Yusif is an underground blogger opposing the regime of Saddam Hussain from within Iraq. He arrives in London in February 2003 with a view to helping highlight the brutality of this regime and the painful consequences upon the Iraqi nation of UN imposed economic sanctions. He dreams of a liberated homeland. The object of his budding affections, Bisan, is opposed to the war.
 
Set in London and painted with the city's palette of co-existing cultures and communities, the film takes the audience on a voyage drawing into focus aspects of Middle Eastern culture sharing the London space.
 
The story unfolds over four days in the life of the community as its members react to events at the global stage and seek influence.
 
Yusif's short stay in London brings him into contact with an array of individuals from the vibrant community: There is Zaynab-  owner of Mesocafe and purveyor of advice for marriage and love.. for work and business. There is Tawfiq, a young Iraqi refugee spending the little money he has on phone calls to his wife in Syria; there is Suad, a successful PR executive unable to come to terms with the death of her young husband at the end of the 1991 war; and there is the beautiful Bisan who, in between translating books from Arabic to English, relives her childhood memories of 1970s Iraq.  
 
Yusif is welcomed into the heart of the Mesocafe family- Britons of Iraqi origins, expatriates and refugees. Like Yusif, the regulars enjoy copious servings of warmth and love with Zaynab’s delicious Kubbah, piping hot bread and fragrant yogurt drink.

The cafe regulars welcome the gentle beginnings of a courtship between Yusif and Bisan.

Bisan and Yusif’s respective lives and reminiscences come into  play as the story pleads for reconciliation and love between people of opposing political, cultural and racial backgrounds.