Upon arriving in Baghdad as Kofi Annan's special envoy in June 2003, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a message of hope to a country shattered by war, promising humanitarian aid, reconstruction, refugee return, economic development, legal and judicial reform and an end to the Occupation. Although his goals were ambitious, this accomplished career diplomat had previously achieved the seemingly impossible. But on August 19, 2003, his efforts came to an end when he, along with 21 others, died in the explosion of a massive bomb outside U.N. headquarters in Baghdad.

EN ROUTE TO BAGHDAD traces the biography and career of the Brazilian-born, Sorbonne-educated diplomat, a brilliant, sophisticated and charismatic man, but above all a humanitarian with a lifelong commitment to human rights, freedom and self-determination. Vieira de Mello's previous work with the U.N. Refugee Agency in such war-torn nations as Mozambique, Cambodia, North Korea and East Timor is portrayed in archival footage.

The film also features moving accounts of Vieira de Mello's tireless work ethic and winning personal qualities from colleagues such as former U.N. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, Doctors without Borders founder Bernard Kouchner, the presidents of Mozambique and East Timor, King Sihanouk of Cambodia, as well as his widow and son, among many others.

In the process of demonstrating the passion that Vieira de Mello brought to his work, EN ROUTE TO BAGHDAD also offers a powerful illustration of how the U.N. has quietly but doggedly shaped our world for the better. Likewise, the film shows not only the many admirers Sergio Vieira de Mello left behind but also how many people throughout the world have benefited from his work.

"A portrait in character, diplomacy and courage...one can't help but feel a passion for the man, and the work his much maligned organization continues to do."—John Anderson, Variety

"A testament to the power of diplomacy and the proven impact of an insouciant, simple charm that reaches people on a human level."—Florida Sun Sentinel