TV documentary “Ghosts of Afghanistan” »It's only your own perspective that counts«
javafilms
Written by: Julian Sher, Graeme Smith, Natalie Dubois :: Directed by: Julian Sher :: Presented by: Graeme Smith
“It's only your perspective that counts. Everyone celebrates their goals as just and noble. That is the real crime of this war. ” --Graeme Smith
That the West questions its role, as it happens in this film, is a rare view.
The movement that once banned television and cameras now has a young generation of modern leaders who post videos on the Taliban’s official website and use social media to spread their message.
Canadian war correspondent Graeme Smith takes an unflinching look at what went wrong with the war in Afghanistan.
As the Taliban offensive in Afghanistan grows, a new TVO Original documentary 'Ghosts of Afghanistan' offers a first-hand account of NATOs' failed attempt to bring democracy and women's rights and freedoms to the country.
The speed at which the Taliban have retaken Afghanistan has taken everyone by surprise. How could it happen? What went wrong with ‘the good war’? And what comes next?
The West invaded Afghanistan in 2001 with promises of democracy, freedom and women’s rights. It was a disaster. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Corruption and abuses were endemic.
As a young and idealistic war correspondent, Graeme Smith followed the troops into battle in Afghanistan. Now he returns to a place that gave him nightmares to see if there is hope for peace. Smith revisits old friends and acquaintances and sees the deep divisions in the country.
Provocative art in an Afghan woman's office: Feminist Farahnaz Forotan is featured in "Ghosts of Afghanistan"
Shaharzad Akbar, the country’s top human rights investigator, calls out abuses by both the Taliban and the government. Outspoken women at Kabul University are determined to hold onto their hard-won rights and liberties in the face of any return of the Taliban. By contrast, in Kandahar, burqa-clad women explain why they do not fear the Taliban.
But what do the Taliban say about how they will govern Afghanistan?Smith makes a remarkable journey to visit them at their unofficial headquarters in Doha, Qatar. The movement that once banned television and cameras now has a young generation of modern leaders who post videos on the Taliban’s official website and use social media to spread their message.
In the film, these women say they do not feel threatened by the Taliban
PRODUCTION INFO
Year: 2021 Duration: 90 & 60 mins Production: GalaFilms Director: Julian Sher Available Versions: ENG, FRA, GER Country of production: Canada
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
Winner of three Canadian Screen Awards 2022:
Donald Brittain Award for "Best Social/Political Documentary Program", "Best Writing, Documentary" & "Best Picture Editing, Documentary",
Other festivals selections:
Human Rights Film Festival Berlin 2021 (Germany), UNAFF 2021 (Palo Alto, California, USA), Mostra-Me Human Rights Film Festival 2021 (Portugal), Millenium Film Festival 2022 (Belgium)