The Silver Screen's Afghan Aspirants: Working In Films Amidst Cultural Complexities

Afghanistan has a rich architectural heritage and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal location for filming. However, due to the country's inaccessibility and turbulent history, few films have been made there. Cinema was introduced to Afghanistan in the early 20th century, but various political troubles have slowed the industry. The Taliban's ban on film creation and strict rules around women have also impacted the Afghan film industry. Despite these challenges, some notable films have been produced in Afghanistan, including Osama (2003), Hava, Maryam, Ayesha (2019), and Wolf and Sheep (2016).

Safety considerations for filming in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a dangerous place for filming, and all governments strongly advise against travel to the country. However, if you are determined to film in Afghanistan, there are some safety considerations you should keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the security risks. Terrorism is a significant threat in Afghanistan, with various militant groups, including Al-Qaida and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), actively operating in the country. These groups have strong anti-western views and have targeted public places frequented by foreigners, such as restaurants and hotels. Additionally, there is a very high risk of kidnapping, especially for British and American nationals. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures to enhance your security, such as hiring security personnel and avoiding travelling in areas known to be targeted by terrorists.

Secondly, you should be mindful of the cultural and religious norms in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and its laws and customs are very different from those in Western nations. For example, it is illegal to try to convert Muslims to other faiths, and there are strict dress codes that must be adhered to, especially for women. Women must fully cover themselves in public, including their hair and face, and men should also dress modestly. Additionally, certain behaviours, such as public displays of affection, may be considered offensive. Therefore, it is important to respect the local culture and religion to avoid causing offence or breaking any laws.

Thirdly, you should ensure that you have the necessary permissions and documentation before filming. Permission to film anywhere in Afghanistan must be obtained from the Taliban authorities, and a well-connected fixer is essential to navigate the security risks and obtain the required permissions. You will also need visas and work permits to enter and film in the country, and these should be applied for in advance.

Finally, you should consider the practical aspects of filming in Afghanistan. The country has a four-season climate, with cold and snowy winters and very hot and dry summers. Therefore, spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for filming. Additionally, Afghanistan has limited infrastructure, and you will likely need to bring your own equipment and crew, as the local pool of directors, photographers, and other film professionals is very small. Furthermore, accommodation options are limited, and safe and secure options can be expensive.

In conclusion, while it is possible to film in Afghanistan, it is important to carefully consider the safety risks and take the necessary precautions. By following the above considerations and staying up to date with the latest travel advice and security situation, you can help ensure a safer filming experience in Afghanistan.

The impact of the Taliban on the Afghan film industry

Afghanistan's film industry has had a tumultuous history, with political troubles slowing its growth over the years. The country's cinema entered a new phase in 2001, but it has failed to recover to its pre-war popularity. The Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law has had a devastating impact on the industry.

During their first period in power from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban banned music and moving images. Women's faces were deemed immodest in public, and the militants destroyed or allowed the decay of film reels. Many films were hidden or smuggled out of the country by dedicated Afghans, who buried them underground or concealed them in walls and floorboards. Afghan Film, the state-run film company, saw its headquarters stormed and much of its archive burned.

The arrival of US forces in 2001 brought new life to the industry. Initiatives and programs fostered the next generation of storytellers, and pirated movies became widely available, even in rural provinces. The film "Titanic" became a household staple, and Afghans embraced the notion of Western moviemaking. The country's filmmakers, including women, took pride in creating their own content without relying on dubbing foreign films.

However, the Taliban's return to power in 2021 shattered these gains. Cinemas were closed, and filmmakers were forced to flee or go into hiding. The Taliban's hostility towards educated people, journalists, artists, filmmakers, and poets created an atmosphere of fear and repression. Despite some speculation that the Taliban may allow religious-based entertainment, the industry's future remains uncertain and at risk.

The impact of the Taliban on Afghanistan's film industry has been devastating, with the destruction of films, censorship, and the suppression of artistic expression. The efforts of archivists and filmmakers to preserve and restore the country's cinematic heritage are ongoing, but the industry's recovery is challenging.

Notable Afghan films and filmmakers

Afghanistan has a rich cinematic history, but the country's film industry has been severely impacted by decades of war and conflict. Despite these challenges, several notable Afghan films and filmmakers have gained recognition and appreciation globally. Here are some of the most notable Afghan films and filmmakers:

Osama (2003)

Osama is a powerful and emotional Afghan film directed by Siddiq Barmak. It tells the story of a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to find work and support her family during the Taliban regime. The film is notable for being the first Afghan film shot entirely in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.

Wajma, An Afghan Love Story (2013)

Wajma, An Afghan Love Story is a drama film directed by Barmak Akram. It follows the forbidden love story of Wajma, a young woman, and Mustafa, a waiter. The film explores the tension between tradition and modernity in Afghanistan and the consequences of personal choices in a restrictive society. It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of Afghan society and sensitive treatment of complex issues such as honour, shame, and gender inequality.

Hava, Maryam, Ayesha (2019)

Hava, Maryam, Ayesha is a drama film directed by Sahraa Karimi, the chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation. The film tells the story of three pregnant women from different backgrounds in Kabul, struggling with challenges in their daily lives. It explores themes of gender inequality, social norms, and the difficulties facing women in contemporary Afghanistan. The film has received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex female characters and its sensitive depiction of social and political realities.

Earth and Ashes (2004)

Earth and Ashes is an Afghan film directed by Atiq Rahimi, based on his novel of the same name. The film follows an old man named Dastaguir and his young grandson as they search for Dastaguir's son, a coal miner, after their village is destroyed by war. It's a moving portrayal of the devastating impact of war on ordinary people's lives and is considered one of the most important Afghan films of the early 21st century. It won several awards, including the Prix du Regard Original and the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004.

Buzkashi Boys (2012)

Buzkashi Boys is a coming-of-age short film directed by Sam French and nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Shot entirely in Kabul, the film follows the dreams and despair of two best friends growing up on the streets, set against the backdrop of the national sport of Buzkashi. It offers a unique perspective on the lives of Afghans beyond the headlines of war and conflict.

Notable Filmmakers:

• Siddiq Barmak: Acclaimed director of "Osama" and Opium War, winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film and the Critic's Best Film at the Rome Film Festival, respectively.
• Barmak Akram: Director of "Wajma, An Afghan Love Story", Kabuli Kid, and other notable films.
• Sahraa Karimi: Chairperson of the Afghan Film Organisation and director of "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha" and "What We Left Unfinished".
• Atiq Rahimi: Director of "Earth and Ashes" and "The Patience Stone", with the former winning several awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
• Shahrbanoo Sadat: Selected by the Cannes Cinéfondation to develop "Wolf and Sheep" and its sequel "The Orphanage", offering a unique perspective on rural and historical Afghanistan.

The history of the Afghan film industry

The Afghan film industry has a tumultuous history. Cinema was introduced to Afghanistan in the early 20th century, with the screening of silent films in the early 1920s. The first Afghan film, 'Love and Friendship', was produced in 1946 in India. In the following years, several screening centres for Indian films were created in Kabul.

In 1966, the Afghan Film Centre was established by Shah Amanolla with US cooperation, and the film-producing process began in earnest. The Afghan Film Organisation, established in 1968, produced documentaries and news films about government meetings and conferences. In the same year, the first feature film made in Kabul by Afghan Film using Afghan artists, 'Like Eagles', was directed by Khair Zada. However, the industry was impacted by political troubles over the years, including the Taliban regime, which banned the creation of all films in 1996.

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the Afghan film industry began to recover. 'Osama' (2003), directed by Siddiq Barmak, was the first film shot entirely in the country since the Taliban's ban. It was a huge international success and one of the earliest Afghan films to receive attention in the West. In 2004, Barmak's film won a Golden Globe award as the best foreign-language film, stirring hope for the future of Afghan cinema.

In recent years, there has been a flourishing of Afghan cinema, with films such as 'Wolf and Sheep' (2016), 'The Orphanage' (2019), and 'Hava, Maryam, Ayesha' (2019) gaining recognition. Despite this resurgence, the public cinema industry in Afghanistan has struggled to recover, with many cinemas falling into disrepair or attracting low customer numbers.

The future of the Afghan film industry

The future of Afghanistan's film industry is uncertain. The Taliban's takeover of the country in 2021 and their ban on cinemas and television have put the careers of Afghan filmmakers in jeopardy once again. Many filmmakers have fled the country and are now in exile, hoping to continue making Afghan films abroad.

However, some filmmakers are pessimistic about the prospects of Afghan films made in exile. Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, an Iranian colleague of Sharhbanoo Sadat, expressed that only films that spread the same prejudices about Afghanistan and the Middle East are financed in the West. She adds that filmmakers are discouraged from showing modern aspects of Kabul or Iran, as "people in the West" are not interested in what these places are really like.

Despite the challenges, Afghan filmmakers remain resilient and hopeful. Sadat believes that in 10 years, there may be an Afghan cinema created in exile. She, along with two other award-winning female directors, appealed to the international film industry to save Afghan cinema and support female filmmakers in exile.

The history of Afghanistan's film industry is tumultuous. It was introduced in the early 20th century, with the first Afghan film, 'Love and Friendship', produced in 1946. The industry saw growth between 1961 and 1980, but it was halted by the Taliban in the 1990s. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the industry began to slowly re-emerge, with films like Osama (2003) and Kandahar (2001) gaining international recognition. However, the recent return to Taliban rule has put the industry's future in doubt once more.

The Afghan film industry faces significant obstacles, including a lack of infrastructure and funding, a small talent pool, and security concerns. Most key crew and equipment have to be brought in from abroad, and additional security requirements add to the costs of filming in the country. The country's four-season climate also presents challenges, with winter months being particularly difficult for filming in mountainous areas.

Despite these challenges, Afghanistan offers unique and diverse film locations, from high mountain peaks and snow-covered valleys to ancient archaeological sites and vibrant cities. The country's rich architectural heritage and varied landscapes have attracted international productions like The Kite Runner (2007) and 12 Strong (2018).

While the future of the Afghan film industry remains uncertain, its resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity cannot be understated. With the support of the international film community and the dedication of Afghan filmmakers, there is hope that this industry will once again flourish and share the stories and perspectives of this often misunderstood country with the world.

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