FULLY BOOKED Special Preview Screening – Out of the Ashes
An inspirational documentary following the extraordinary quest of the Afghan cricket team to qualify for the 2011 World Cup. Against a backdrop of war and poverty, Out of the Ashes, traces the remarkable journey of a team of young Afghans as they chase a seemingly impossible dream – shedding new light on a nation beyond burqas, bombs, drugs and devastation.
Backed by BBC Storyville and Executive Produced by Oscar-winning director and cricket fan, Sam Mendes, the film follows the Afghan cricket squad over two years as they go from playing in their shalwar-kameezes on rubble pitches to batting their way around the globe and up the international league tables.
At a time when headlines from Afghanistan are dominated by news of death and corruption, the film reveals a more human side to this beleaguered country which has been occupied almost continuously for three decades. The film travels from refugee camps in Pakistan – where many of the players learned the game as boys – to practice sessions in Kabul and on to qualifying tournaments overseas.
Finally they reach the World Cup qualifier in South Africa where they’ll face their greatest test… With unrestricted behind-the-scenes access at international matches, the film follows the ups and downs of their epic journey. Witty, touching and nail-biting to the end, Out of the Ashes is a compelling story of triumph over adversity.
“One of the most fascinating cricketing films you will see… Remarkable.…"; – Mike Atherton
“A marvellous, arresting film. Even if you hate cricket, which I do, you’re bound to become involved in the lives of these Afghan superheroes.…"; – Nick Fraser, BBC Storyville
Directed and filmed by: Tim Albone and Lucy Martens.
Co-directed and produced by: Leslie Knott.
Produced by: Rachel Wexler.
Executive producers: Sam Mendes, Tom Roberts and Greg Sanderson.
