The Afghan five

Zarlasht Sarmast, Jawad Wahabzada,  Gelareh Kiazand, Paeman Arianfar and S. Ali Mousavi from Afghanistan didn’t know each other until they met at the 18th International Children’s Film Festival in the city. This, they say, is proof of the lack of an active film community in Afghanistan.

Quite obviously, because their country has been ravaged by war for decades. But the filmmakers are very hopeful and they spoke about the problems and, most importantly, the solutions.

Zarlasht, who is working with the UN in Afghanistan and has made documentaries on violence against women and children, outlines the troubles. “Child labour is a big issue. It is so imbibed in the culture there that it has become ‘normal’. The main problem is that people don’t even have information about their rights,” she says.

Jawad, meanwhile, who made the film 'Children of Kabul', says, “While we are shooting, there were so many areas where entry is prohibited and we need to get permission letters. There are over 10 to 20 letters needed which can take a long time.” He remembers the time he was shooting for his film near the US Embassy and almost had his camera taken away. “Luckily, my father works for the government and I was saved.” Then there’s Ali, who is to put together a place for filmmakers in Afghanistan. “It will be an art café where people can get together to work in the world of films,” he says. Paeman, whose film, The Basket was screened in the festival here in Hyderabad, says, “Being a filmmaker in Afghanistan is still an alien concept.”

So where do films and TV stand in Afghanistan now, where music was once banned.

Filmmaker Gelareh Kiazand adds, “The television shows are controlled and there is nothing for family viewing and that is an important element that is missing. Children watch violent shows which can have negative impact.”

But the group wants to put across one point to the world. “Life goes on in Afghanistan. While there are grey areas, the country is not in a horrible condition. We too listen to music on our iPhones, go out with friends and life, even after everything the country has suffered, is as normal as it can be."

And Zarlasht even says ‘it’s easier being the girl’.

“Well, yes. With so many NGOs focussed on women, getting permissions and interviews is easier for us. There are women who don’t agree to come in front of the camera but then times are changing.”

And talking about the response that they have received so far, Jawad says, “We have received the best response here in Hyderabad. I have been to film festivals before but this one has been the best. I guess it’s because Indians recognise the value of art and films.”