Afghan Star

Jan 16 2009 Unrated 1h 27m
Documentary, Music

This documentary on the effect the talent competition "Afghan Star" has on the incredibly diverse inhabitants of Afghanistan affords a glimpse into a country rarely seen. Contestants risk their lives to appear on the television show that is a raging success with the public and also monitored closely by the government.

Plot

"Afghan Star" is a TV show modeled on the UK's "Pop Idol." We join the 2008 contest when it's down to nine contestants, and we focus on two women, Setara and Lema, and two men, Hameed and Rafi. We watch the two women in particular: Satara sings with emotion and includes dance in her final performance, an action that puts her life in danger; Lema is traditional, but her very appearance brings death threats. The three finalists are from different tribes, and each makes a plea for Afghan unity. The camera visits families watching the competition, there are comments from people in the street, and we return home with a nervous Setara. In Afghanistan, singing is an expression of freedom.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Havana Marking

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

Roastbeef Productions, Roast Beef Productions, Aria Productions

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins & 3 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
1,034
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
78
Popularity
NA