Screening: Afghan Star

 

After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan. Millions are watching Afghan Star – a Pop Idol-style TV series in which people from across the country compete for a cash prize and record deal. 2000 people audition, including three brave women. The viewers vote for their favorite singers by mobile phone and for many this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely and inspired film follows the moving stories of four young contestants looking for a new life. But their journeys take a terrifying turn as one young woman dances on stage, threatening her own safety and the future of the show itself. In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing. 

"Entertaining, colorful and at times edge-of-seat tense, this unconventional pop adventure is an unforgettable introduction to a culture in major transition" – True/False

Directed and produced by Havana Marking
87 mins
A KABOORA and Roast Beef Production

About Havana Marking the Director –

Afghan Star is Havana Marking’s first feature documentary, shot over the 4 months in Kabul. She has produced TV docs (both factual entertainment and one-off polemics)  for over 10 years now, although directing is relatively new to her: before AS she directed The Crippendales (2007)– a 30min film about the first troupe of disabled strippers winning the Channel 4@Sheffield scheme for New Talent. In 2005 she made the Great Relativity Show, a series of animated shorts (3MW) that explained the Theory of Relativity. These won a Pirelli Science award.