Films & Events

Afghan Star

Afghan Star tells the story of an Afghan version of the “Pop Idol” TV series in which people from across the country compete for a cash prize and record deal. After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, “Afghan Star” takes the nation by storm. More than 2,000 people audition, including three brave women. Viewers vote for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many, this is their first encounter with democracy. The organizers, Tolo TV, believe the program will move people from guns to music. But in a troubled country like Afghanistan, even music is controversial. Considered sacrilegious by the Mujahideen and banned by the Taliban, music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth. The film follows four young contestants looking for a new life, but things take a terrifying turn when one young woman dances on stage, threatening her own safety and the future of the show. Director Havana Marking expected to attend both screenings

Bookmark and Share

Sponsor:
Seattle's Progressive Talk, AM 1090

Cast & Crew

Director: Havana Marking
Producer: Havana Marking
Editor: Ash Jenkins
Cinematographer: Phil Stebbing
Awards: Sundance Film Festival 2009 (World Cinema Audience Award, World Cinema Directing Award)

Music: Simon Russell
Filmography: Debut Feature Film
World Sales: Channel Four International

Average rating:

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

(5 reviews)

user reviews

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5

    Eye opening, Jun 11, 2009

    By Dan Rosson

    “This film shows that something as frivolous as an American Idol type television show can be a major culture touchstone or even an exercise in democracy in a country like Afghanistan. It shows how far the country has come and how far they have to go. It makes me grateful for freedoms that i have” … full review

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5

    Entertainment as well as social study, Jun 12, 2009

    By Zheng Wang

    “You will be so grateful that you don't live in Afghanistan! ”

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5

    The language of music is universal, Jun 12, 2009

    By J Daniel Scott

    “An eye opening, enlightening (and frightening) view of Afghanistan, its culture, its people and its music. They're not all mindless, faceless terrorists like we've been led to believe. They're people who laugh, love, cry, dance, and sing just like everyone else in the world. The documentary follows” … full review

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5

    Just stunning, Jun 12, 2009

    By Christopher Click

    “Start (and it was an amazing start) to finish I was just riveted to the story and images of this film. The first film of 2009 that changed my perception of the world I live in.”

    1. 1
    2. 2
    3. 3
    4. 4
    5. 5

    Amazing film, Jun 17, 2009

    By Kevin H

    “I agree with all the positive reviews below. This film does present an incredible and unsettling view of modern Afghanistan, and in doing so shows proves the how powerful and universal music, art, and entertainment really are. I encourage everyone to go see it, I know it's opening in New York soon” … full review

Add your own review

You must be signed in to write a review. To sign in or register click here

Related Media

Screenings

SIFF Cinema
June 11, 2009 6:30 PM
6:30 PM (Date has passed.)
June 13, 2009 11:00 AM
11:00 AM (Date has passed.)