Customer Reviews

Afghan Star

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just got home from seeing this documentary and it is inspiring, moving, and exciting. It pulls no punches about the dangers of place and politics but finally cuts through all the media filtering and bad news with something to give one hope about the strength of the young people of Afghanistan. There is certainly a fire in their hearts and they deserve our support. This is one documentary that should be widely owned and shown to friends.

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.

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.

I didn't have high hopes for the documentary Afghan Star, but I really enjoyed it. The story is simple - freed from the Taliban, Afghanis launch their own version of American Idol called Afghan Star. The show becomes a huge hit, with up to one-third of the population watching. More importantly, Afghanis' reactions to the show reveal much about their culture and about human nature.

The documentary focuses on four contestants - two men and two women. All four are interesting, decent people and the viewer cheers for them. Western viewers will probably be most interested in the plight of the women, who must contend with Afghanis' "traditional" attitudes about the proper role of women. One woman - Setara - sets of a firestorm of controversy by dancing and showing her hair during her one of her performances.

Afghan Star is both educational and entertaining. I recommend it.

Afghanistan has been associated with violence, extremism, war, and backwardness for the past 30 years. This refreshing film shows Afghanistan in a new light. Based on the concept of American idol, producers of the Afghan TV station TOLO create a show where contestants from different regions of Afghanistan compete to become Afghanistan's top singer. The film reminds us that Afghans are not different than Americans in their passion for entertainment and competition. Seeing Afghans from different provinces in a friendly competition gives hope to the idea that one day their nation will enjoy peace. Tension is created when a woman contestant gets so wrapped up in her music that she dances slightly on stage. This is one of the most positive films on Afghanistan I have had the pleasure to watch. Take a break from the daily headlines detailing the violence of the war and watch Afghan Star.