SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2025 -- Matador Network has released a new documentary today titled Iraq: Is it Really That Bad? Filmmaker Reinier van Oorsouw takes a road trip through multiple regions in Iraq, uncovering whether the country's reputation matches reality. The film's release marks the 22nd anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003.
From the vibrant streets of Erbil in Kurdistan to Baghdad's bustling culture, van Oorsouw explores Akre's markets, traditional cuisine, and historic landmarks. In the 22-minute film, he takes viewers through Kurdistan's stunning mountains, waterfalls, and serene lakes, as well as historical sites such Babylon's ruins, Saddam Hussein's abandoned palace and the shrine of Raban Boya.
"It's an eye opener," says van Oorsouw in the film. "The combination of culture and nature, friendly people and the fact that you can do a road trip here completely changed my perspective. Before this trip, I would not have known that this would be possible."
The film follows a previous installment of "Is It Really that Bad?" from Matador Network and van Oorsouw focused on Iran. Matador Network is a leading online travel brand dedicated to encouraging people to "travel fearlessly" and correcting misconceptions that the world is a dangerous place.
"A lot of people think the world is profoundly dangerous and everyone is out to get you," says Matador Network CEO Ross Borden. "That hasn't been my experience, certainly. This film beautifully shows that somewhere like Iraq, which many people may associate with war, is actually extremely safe and that the vast majority of people are good people and well intentioned."
During the travels captured in the film, van Oorsouw, who is from The Netherlands, and his friend Majed Amer, who is from Iraq and hadn't been back since 2007, not only avoid mobs of tourists one might find at more typical destinations, but also encounter a great deal of warmth and kindness. When they try to pay at a local fruit stand, for example, they are told it's on the house.
"Iraq is changing for the better," van Oorsouw. "There's a fresh wind in the air. People are more positive about their future. Is Iraq a tourist destination just yet? Not really. There's not really an infrastructure. But if you are a curious traveler and you know how to get around in other places, this might be a nice adventurous challenge for you. You will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes, good food, and especially great hospitality and very nice and friendly people."
Watch Iraq: Is it Really That Bad? On YouTube as well as the Matador Network website and the Matador Network TV channel on Roku. For more Matador Network content on Iraq, content creator Elona Karafin discusses her trip to the country (as well as other atypical destinations such as Afghanistan) in the latest episode of CREATOR: The Podcast.
About Reinier van Oorsouw
Reinier van Oorsouw is a Dutch filmmaker, photographer, and creative director at Beyond Borders Media, a communications agency specializing in aid, adventure, and travel. Since age 18, he has traveled to over 120 countries, documenting underreported global issues. His collaborations include organizations like the United Nations, Oxfam, and Al Jazeera. Reinier pioneers innovative media solutions, integrating technology into nonprofit communications, such as using virtual reality for NGO marketing. His work has been featured in publications like Fair Observer, where he shared insights from his travels to countries like Iran and Antarctica. Through his storytelling, Reinier aims to bridge cultural divides and shed light on pressing global challenges. beyondbordersmedia.com
About Matador Network
Matador Network is the world's No. 1 media brand for modern adventurers and creator of the free AI travel genius GuideGeek. With more than 16 million followers across social media, Matador has become a leading travel brand through its production of article features, city guides, creator-first content and original videos. Matador is the top-ranking travel brand on TikTok and its videos are viewed more than 140 million times per month. It has content distribution deals with American Airlines, Hearst Media and GSTV, and works with brands like Ford, REI, Samsung, YETI, Southwest Airlines, Visit California and Microsoft. matadornetwork.com
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