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AFGHAN STAR - DVD Movie
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Potent and penetrating,
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pop Culture Shows Us the Daring Search for Democracy in Afghanistan,
By David Crumm "Editor of ReadTheSpirit magazine" (Canton, Michigan) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Afghan Star (DVD)
Is peace and some semblance of democracy possible in Afghanistan? Is there any value in American popular culture?
Filmmaker Havana Marking's startling documentary, "Afghan Star," grapples with both Big Questions and---along the way---she shows us scenes we'd never imagine here in the U.S. The documentary covers the debut season of an Afghan network TV clone of "American Idol." You can chuckle at the quality of make-shift Afghan pop culture---such as it is after years of the Taliban and warfare. This new pop culture often is pretty basic stuff. Before one "Afghan Star" production, for example, the documentary cameras take us back stage to show the Afghan network-TV crew toggling together what looks like a jumbled pile of scrap electrical components they've found to run their lights and cameras. But ... You'll sit there through the whole thing fascinated by the window it opens into this mountainous country where we've been at war for so many years. I came away from the film deeply worried for the future of women and young people in Afghanistan. But I also came away greatly encouraged at the bravery and creative spirit of these young men and women delivering "Afghan Star" into families' living rooms whether they own big Kabul homes---or they're wiring a makeshift aerial on the roof of a mud hut in the mountains. Maybe Americans could learn a few things from the grassroots campaigning Afghans eagerly wage for their stars on this hit TV show! Unlike "American Idol," there's very serious campaigning underway in Afghanistan. One reason is that the entertainers are chosen from across the country and represent many different ethnic groups. So Afghans from children to old men crisscross their regions, handing out simply made posters and handbills--urging Afghans to pick up their cell phones and vote for regional singers. It's amazing footage. Every American civics class should show "Afghan Star" to teach our youth something about the infectious power of democracy. We're not alone in recommending it. The film already has received praise from Oprah, Jon Stewart and the Sundance film festival among others. Enjoy it with friends.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving,
By
This review is from: Afghan Star (DVD)
Don't miss this incredible window into a citizenship's hidden spirit emerging
to embrace democracy through the simple act of voting for the forbidden right to sing. It seems the nation finds its courage through supporting the brave hopeful performers. Simply wonderful and inspiring.
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