For decades, Afghanistan has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. From its tumultuous political situation to the ongoing war and civil unrest, Afghanistan has been in the headlines many times over. But, amidst all this chaos and strife, there is a vibrant culture that is home to some incredible cinema.In recent years, Afghanistan has been producing some truly remarkable movies that have gained acclaim both locally and internationally. Here is a list of the top five Afghanistan movies of all time.
1. Osama (2003) (Farsi: اسامه)
Directed by Siddiq Barmak, Osama tells the story of a young girl who has to disguise herself as a boy in order to escape the Taliban’s oppressive rule. The critically acclaimed movie won numerous awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
2. Kandahar (2001) (Farsi: قندهار)
This movie, directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf, was one of the first Afghan films to be released in the West after the fall of the Taliban. It tells the story of a woman who travels to the Taliban-controlled city of Kandahar in order to find her sister. Kandahar was well-received by both critics and audiences alike and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
3. Kabuli Kid (2008)(Farsi: بچه کابلی)
Kabuli Kid is a heart-wrenching drama about a young boy who is forced to flee his war-torn village after losing both his parents. He embarks on a long and dangerous journey in search of his only remaining relative. Directed by Barmak Akram, the movie was widely praised for its realistic portrayal of life in Afghanistan and its emotional depth.
4. The Patience Stone (2012)(Farsi: سنگ صبور)
The Patience Stone, directed by Atiq Rahimi, follows a woman in Afghanistan as she takes care of her paralyzed husband and must find a way to get her voice heard in a society that is strictly ordered by men. It is a beautiful and powerful movie that explores the depths of feminism and the oppression of women in Afghanistan.
5. A Letter to the President (2014) (Farsi: نامه ای به ریس جمهور)
A Letter to the President, directed by Roya Sadat, is the story of a young girl who defies the Taliban’s rules and secretly sends a letter to the President of Afghanistan. She hopes that her letter will bring about change in the lives of other women in her community. The movie garnered critical acclaim for its strong female protagonist and compelling story.
These five movies are just a few of the many incredible Afghan productions that have been released over the past decade. They offer a unique insight into Afghanistan’s culture, history, and struggles and are essential viewing for anyone looking to understand the country better.