Big Screen Development
The Third River was of particular significance in the context of the political landscape in 1952. The company made this film not only to document its impressive operations, but more so as a political statement to the Iraqi government. In the aftermath of the Iranian Oil Crisis, the film is an effort to communicate very explicitly to the widest possible audience that the company took seriously its investment and determination to increase output of oil through the larger pipeline. The film and its promotional booklet rarely mention the company and instead focus on the achievements and potential of the country. Oil in its material form is never pictured in the film; however it is described vividly and powerfully in the narration and accompanying promotional booklets as “the lifeblood” of modern Iraq.
Once complete, the pipeline’s projected capacity was estimated to result in a dramatically increased flow of fourteen million tons of crude oil per year from Iraq. This would more than double the existing annual output of eight million tons of oil that had initiated its course from Kirkuk to the port of Tripoli, Lebanon via a sixteen-inch pipe the previous year. As the clip above shows, the film maps the construction and flow of oil for viewers, uncritically emphasizing the colonial practice of extraction of oil from Iraq and transportation to Europe, "where the oil is needed."
This significant turning point in the profit margins of IPC stockholders was coupled by the major turn of events in Baghdad resulting from the new 50-50 profit-sharing agreement in 1951 that would exponentially increase the Iraqi government’s income from oil production. Immediately following the renegotiation, the government establishment the Development Board to oversee the allocation of 70% of total revenues towards national development schemes.
The five-year development plan (1951-1955) that the Iraqi government produced prior to the renegotiation had focused narrowly on national schemes for improving irrigation, flood-control, and transportation in Iraq; however, in light of the new agreement with IPC and substantial increase in development funds as a result of increase projected output, the plan was significantly revised. Continued assessment and revision of the plans eventually resulted in a large investment in urban development projects including the planning and construction of new bridges, hospitals, schools, roads, public buildings, and public housing in the capital.