The Afghan Film Industry: Creativity And Resilience Amidst Challenges

Afghanistan has a rich architectural heritage and a diverse landscape, making it an ideal location for filming. However, due to decades of war and the country's inaccessibility, it has been challenging to shoot films in Afghanistan. Most films about Afghanistan have been filmed elsewhere, such as in Western China, New Mexico, or Afghanistan's neighbouring countries, Iran and Pakistan.

The first Afghan film, 'Love and Friendship', was produced in 1946, and the country's film industry has had its ups and downs since then. The Taliban's rule, which banned the creation of all films, dealt a significant blow to the industry. Despite this, some filmmakers have persevered, and there have been notable Afghan films such as 'Osama' and 'Hava, Maryam, Ayesha'.

Working in films in Afghanistan is challenging due to safety concerns, the need for special permits, and the lack of infrastructure and equipment. However, there is a small pool of local directors, directors of photography, videographers, and stills photographers. Additionally, basic equipment and local supporting crew are available, but it is recommended to bring the main crew and essential gear from abroad.

Safety advice for filming in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a highly dangerous place for foreign nationals to visit, with the UK, US, Canadian, and Australian governments all advising against travel to the country. Here is some safety advice for those who choose to disregard these warnings and film in Afghanistan:

• The security situation in Afghanistan is volatile, with a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and crime.
• Foreign nationals are viewed with suspicion and are considered legitimate targets for terrorists and kidnappers.
• Do not travel to public places frequented by foreigners, such as hotels and restaurants.
• Avoid travelling at night and travelling alone.
• Do not go near sensitive sites or contact people of interest to the authorities.
• Do not carry large amounts of money.
• Do not bring weapons or explosives into the country.
• Do not attempt to proselytize or preach a religion other than Islam.
• Do not attempt to film government buildings, military installations, or palaces.
• Do not display signs of affluence.
• Do not travel without a male guardian if you are a woman.
• Do not engage in public displays of physical affection between men and women.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during Ramadan.
• Do not bring narcotics, alcohol, or pork products into the country.
• Do not buy or attempt to export antiquities without a receipt.
• Do not rely on previous experience of travelling in Afghanistan or understanding of local rules and laws.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and local security developments.
• Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so.
• Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
• Follow UK Counter Terrorism Policing advice on staying safe abroad.
• Contact the relevant embassy or consulate for your country if you need assistance.

Afghanistan's film locations

Afghanistan has a lot to offer filmmakers, from majestic mountain ranges to a rich mix of cultures. However, due to the country's inaccessibility and turbulent history, few films have been made there.

Afghanistan can be divided into several regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Central Afghanistan, which includes the provinces of Kabul, Bamyan, Kapisa, Logar, Parwan, Urozgan, and Wardak, is known for its high mountain peaks, river valleys, and shallow central plains. Kabul, the capital, boasts film locations such as the Gardens of Babur, the National Museum of Afghanistan, and the Darul Aman Palace ruins.

Northern Afghanistan, including the provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar, Panjshir, Badakhshan, Nuristan, Kunar, Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-e Pol, Balkh, and Samangan, is known for its snow-covered mountains and green valleys. Notable locations include the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif and the Stupa of Takht-e Rostam in Samangan province.

The southern region, comprising Kandahar, Ghazni, Zabul, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Nimruz, Helmand, and Daykundi, is marked by rugged mountains and desert. Notable locations include the Shrine of the Cloak in Kandahar and the Great Mosque of Khost.

Eastern Afghanistan, which includes Laghman and Nangarhar, is known for its rugged mountain peaks and narrow passes. Highway 1 from Jalalabad to Kabul is considered one of the world's most dangerous roads.

Western Afghanistan, including Herat, Farah, Badghis, and Ghor, offers a mix of snowy mountains, green valleys, and deserts. Notable locations in Herat include the Great Mosque of Herat, Herat Citadel, and Herat National Museum.

Afghanistan also has several energy locations, including oil and gas-fired power plants and hydroelectric dams. The country is a major producer of agricultural products such as wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, and opium poppies.

Despite its rich potential for film locations, Afghanistan has faced challenges due to decades of war and political instability. Many films about Afghanistan, such as "The Kite Runner" and "12 Strong," have been filmed in other countries. However, some documentaries, such as "Korengal" and "Restrepo," were filmed in Afghanistan.

With the recent return of the Taliban, the future of filmmaking in Afghanistan remains uncertain.

The Afghan film industry's history

The Afghan film industry has a tumultuous history. Cinema was introduced to Afghanistan at the beginning of the 20th century, with the screening of silent films in the early 1920s. However, it wasn't until 1946 that the first Afghan production, 'Love and Friendship', was produced.

In the 1950s, the first theatre in Afghanistan, the Behzad Cinema, was built in Kabul, with the Cinema Park soon following. Despite these promising developments, political troubles slowed the industry's growth over the years. The country's first feature film, 'Like Eagles', was not produced until 1969, directed by Khair Zada.

The Afghan Film Organization, established in 1968, produced documentaries and news films about government activities. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the Soviets provided cultural training and scholarships for students interested in film. However, the civil wars of the 1990s disrupted creative work, causing many filmmakers to flee to Iran or Pakistan. The new government banned film production in 1993, and when the Taliban took power in 1996, cinemas were attacked, films were burned, and film viewing was forbidden.

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Afghan cinema began to re-emerge. 'Teardrops' was the first post-Taliban film in 2002. In the same year, 'Kandahar' by Mohsen Makhmalbaf became the first Afghan film to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2003, 'Osama' by Siddiq Barmak won several awards at film festivals in Cannes and London, becoming the highest-grossing Afghan film.

Despite these successes, Afghan cinema and filmmaking are currently at an all-time low, with little hope of revival. The Afghan government and international donors have neglected the fine arts, and cinema is stigmatized and frowned upon in Afghanistan. Kabul University offers some cinema courses, but the content and quality are poor. Across Afghanistan, there are only nine movie theatres, mostly screening second- and third-rate Indian films. Women and families tend to avoid these theatres due to poor maintenance and the social stigma associated with cinema.

Despite the challenges, some filmmakers continue to create impactful work. For example, in 2019, Sahraa Karimi, the chairperson of the Afghan Film Organization, directed 'Hava, Maryam, Ayesha', which offers a powerful vision of womanhood and motherhood in Afghanistan.

Visas and work permits for filming in Afghanistan

To work in Afghanistan, you need a work visa and work permit approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA). The single-entry work permit is valid for a month and can be extended at extra charges. The work visa extension request must be made by the employer through the Ministry of Interior, and the employee must have a letter of extension from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Must be above 18 years old
• Must not be eligible for retirement, i.e., must not be older than 65 years
• Must have a health certificate issued from their native country and attested by the Ministry of Public Health
• Must have a stay permit before applying for a work visa
• Must be a genuine traveller with good intentions
• Must have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents who will stay with them
• Must have a strong relationship with their native country and be able to return once their stay is over
• Must have a clean criminal track record and hold a good character. To prove this, one can be asked to provide a PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
• Must be in good health and meet the minimum health requirements
• Must have an employment contract or a job offer to enter the country for work purposes

To get an Afghanistan work visa, follow this application process:

• The employee must have a fully completed work visa application
• The employee needs an introduction letter or an invitation from the employer in Afghanistan to start the application process. This should include passport information, the reason for employment, and the duration of the employee's stay
• The employee must also have the letter issued by the Consular Affairs Directorate-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• The employee must submit a recent passport-sized photo and the payment for the work permit in their native currency
• Along with all the above documents, the employee must submit their visa application to MoLSA to get approved for the Afghanistan work visa

Please note that there are some exceptions to the work permit requirements in Afghanistan. International employees must abide by the laws enforced by the country's government and respect the citizens' beliefs and traditions. If there are any changes in the job of a foreign employee, the employer must notify MoLSA about the changed specifications. In cases where similar talent is available domestically, employers must prioritise local candidates over international ones.

• US citizens must have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Travellers arriving without a valid visa are subject to deportation or confiscation of their passport and heavy fines.
• US citizens born in Afghanistan of Afghan parents are considered Afghan nationals and do not need an entry visa. For US citizens of Afghan parentage who were not born in Afghanistan, an entry permit is required.
• Foreigners arriving in Afghanistan are fingerprinted during the immigration process and are expected to register with the Ministry of Interior's Foreigners' Registration Office.
• US citizens in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. Those seeking US government assistance to depart should email their complete biographic details, contact information, and US passport number to [email protected].

The best seasons to film in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a four-season climate, and the best seasons to film in the country are spring and autumn. Winters, from December to March, are cold and snowy, with mountainous areas difficult to access. Spring, from April to May, is mild, with fields green and wildflowers in full bloom. Summers, from June to September, are very hot and dry. Autumn, from October to November, is mild and the ideal time to film harvest looks.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to film in Afghanistan due to the mild weather. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind when planning a filming schedule in the country. Public holidays, for example, may affect timing, availability, and costs. Nowruz Islamic New Year celebrations take place in March, and Ramadan is observed by the majority Muslim population, with many services closed during this period.

Frequently asked questions