Film Overview

An intimate portrait of an iconic leader in the Chaldean Iraqi community of San Diego, California, masterfully chronicled and narrated by award-winning filmmaker, Bonni Rooney.

This poignant documentary tells the saga of former California Senator Wadie Deddeh, an Iraqi immigrant, as he travels the road from a child of poverty to family man to a seat in the California State Assembly. This film focuses on the essence of Deddeh’s success as a man who ably worked across the aisle to bring about some of the most far-reaching transportation legislation during his time, while illuminating his grace as a father and dynamic member of his community.

**********************************************************

After graduating with a degree from the University of Baghdad, Wadie Deddeh waited nine years for a VISA, and arrived practically penniless when he came to America in 1947. After moving to San Diego, he ran for State Assembly and spent the next 27 years in the California Legislature after winning the race for State Senate in 1981.

Wadie Deddeh was fiercely passionate about U.S. government and became a scholar of the Constitution. He became a professor of political science and was good friends with Republicans and Democrats alike. This film features interviews with former California Governor Pete Wilson and Superior Court Judge, Peter Deddeh. Archival footage includes Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Senator Gary Hart and many other politicians and elected officials. Wadie was also named the "Father of Caltrans" for his part in passing the bill to create the California Department of Transportation. He also was instrumental in bringing the Trolley System to San Diego. Despite death threats during the Gulf War, his unwavering patriotism for his adopted country of America earned him a reputation in the legislature as a dedicated American.

*********************************************************
This documentary tells an intimate story of an extraordinary man and his quest for the American dream.