In 2004 Sean McAllister spent eight months in Baghdad filming Samir Peter, once Iraq's most famous pianist, now playing in a hotel bar for journalists and freelance security forces.

The film won the World Documentary Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival a week after its screening on BBC Four.

What did you think of the film? Has it changed your perception of the situation in Iraq?

Send us your comments using the form on the right and we will publish a selection below.

Sean, I had the oppportunity to see your award-winning film at Sundance last week. I found it to be, simply put, fantastic. It didn't, however, change my perception of the Iraq situation. I am one of the few Americans, I think, that sees the 'bigger picture'. I await more documentaries from you. I think the US could use a good dose of reality every now and then. Our media is so controlled - it's sad. Samir, your music is incredible. I love music, and I especially like the keys and minor tones in your music. The world needs more artists that write in the way you do. I am especially fond of the piece you wrote while in the midst of a bombing. Truly inspirational. Take care, both of you and God Bless.
Aaron Scarbrough, Belleville, USA

I just got home from your final screening at the Sundance Film Festival. You made a beautiful, significantly important film, Sean. It only comfirmed my perception of the situation in Iraq. I left the theatre heart-broken for a number of reasons, not all political. It was a moving film. Oh, and Samir, thank you for the dance in Deer Valley on the 20th! I'll always remember it!
Jacqueline Pullos, Salt Lake City, Utah

Just to say what a brilliant documentary this was - with more insight into life in Baghdad than all the news programmes about Iraq. I'm glad Sean bought Samir a Kalashnikov and that he has accepted a degree of personal reponsibility for his fate. Exceptional stuff - congratulations BBC Four.
Brendan McCarthy, London

Did Samir make it to America?
J Burnett, Birmingham

BBC Four replies: Samir managed to get a visitor visa so he could attend the Sundance Film Festival. His application for permanent residency is still pending. At present Samir is living in Jordan with with his son Fadi, and daugther Saha. You can read an interview with Samir here.

I found it profoundly touching to see the humanity at the heart of the horrendous mess that is today's Iraq. All I can do is to wish the best for the unfortunate innocent people caught up in it all. I think this sort of documentary can only help us all to recognise our common humanity. If only bigots on either side would watch, they might revise their polarised opinions.
My best wishes to Samir and his family.
Mike G, England

What were the most requested tunes in the hotel lounge? Did you experience a shift in repertoire as the situation in Baghdad changed?
Vincent Warne, Dunbar, East Lothian

Samir Peter replies: They (the mercenaries and contractors) used to ask for pop music, they didn't understand classical music. Your second question - I know perhaos 3,000 tunes, so I can play maybe three months non-stop. As the situation got worse and worse I would just practise. In the end only my friends would come to see me play.

An extraordinary film. A chance encounter that illuminates what it means to try and live a life in a war zone. Life really does go on, just not as we know it. Though the outpouring of news gives the impression we are informed, this film finally reveals the reality. There is nothing that is obvious - just the complex human response that the filmmaker brings out to bridge the gap between the audience, the subject and himself. It is funny, hopeful, bleak, warm and perplexed at the madness that has come to pass.
Quite brilliant.
BHF, London

Excellent to see a documentary tell the story free from hyperbole. And when people talk, we listen and complex issues are not simplified. Michael Moore take note.
George, Belfast

I loved the film. It did not change my perception of the situation in Iraq, but getting to know about Samir and his family has made me more worried about the ordinary Iraqi people in the midst of all the violence.
PB, Chesterfield

Samir, how do you propose to help your family and Iraq with your new found and deserved fame? Is there anything the British public can do to help?
Andrew Norton, Bodmin, Cornwall

Samir Peter replies: I am now without a job because it is too dangerous to work in the hotel and all my students have fled Iraq. I have moved my own family to Jordan now and am renting a house there, so my expenses are high and I have no income now. The British public can help me by sending me money!

When’s the album coming out?
Jim Sloan, Scotland

Samir Peter replies: The soundtrack should be available soon through Sean McAllister's website - www.seanmcallister.com.

Wonderful film. Even though many of us in the UK have always been opposed to the war in Iraq, it's nevertheless remarkable to see such a moving portrayal of life in Iraq - oh yes, and my question, how is it going for you now Samir? Do you plan to make a home in Jordan?
Tim Newton, Devon

Samir Peter replies: Yes, we are in Jordan while these elections take place. It is very dangerous now in Iraq. Who knows the future?

I feel I have just watched the first genuine programme or footage of the present state of Iraq. I am overwhelmingly moved, and angered at the horrific mess we have created. I hope the risks Samir and Sean took in making this film are rewarded by a high profile screening and discussion of it. We desperately need this kind of intimate, honest reporting where Iraqis' views are heard. A close friend is half-Iraqi with much family there, so I have heard similar views as Samir's family expressed - not views regularly discussed on BBC News. Thank you for making this film. Please show it on BBC One so it gets a wider viewing. Best wishes to you both.
Emma Hampson, Brighton

Sean,
Just wanted to say hi and big congrats! I didn't see the film but I saw the Breakfast interview and I'm really happy for you! And for Samir! Inshallah he will find work and you will get more films. I'm in Jerusalem now reporting. Missing Iraq and the Duleimi.
All the best.
Orly Halpern
Formerly the Globe and Mail correspondent in Iraq, now writing for the Jerusalem Post from Jerusalem

Hello to Sean & Samir. May I say firstly that I think you are both very brave, very brave. I found the film very moving, there were parts I found very sad and parts where I laughed, you work well together. Samir I hope very much that you find your happiness and enjoy the rest of your life. Sean, another great film from you. It really brought home the reality of life in Iraq for Iraqis and journalists, so very dangerous, even with the armed forces there.
Well done to both of you.
Steve, Hereford

My congratulations to Sean McAllister and yourselves on a truly outstanding documentary - so sensitive and moving.
David Bailie, London

Greatly moved by the bravery both of Sean McAllister and Samir Peter, and by Samir's music, which gave a direct link to his feelings as nothing else could.
Simon Weller, Cupar, Fife