When I Close My Eyes

Premiered June 25, 2024
Directed by Samuel Eisen-Meyers

Oil painter Samir Khurshid's work reflects his tumultuous Iraq childhood and refugee life.

About the Documentary

His ability to paint portraits of Saddam Hussein likely saved his life. Oil painter Samir Khurshid reflects on his own tumultuous life growing up surrounded by death and chaos in war-torn Iraq. His densely layered work is heavily influenced by both the cross-cultural chaos of life as a refugee in the U.S. as well as his past, modern religion, ancient mythology, politics, and daily emotional life.

The Filmmakers

Samuel Eisen-Meyers

Samuel Eisen-Meyers is a conceptual and multidisciplinary artist who works with themes related to perspective, media, and popular culture. Through filmmaking, installations, and direction, he has engaged Portland’s community, worked in schools, and been featured in concert halls, theaters, museums, and galleries across the U.S.

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