Watch A Flickering Truth

A Flickering Truth is a fascinating documentary film that takes us on a journey through the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, as seen through the lens of its national film archives. Directed by acclaimed New Zealand documentarian Pietra Brettkelly, this film offers a rare and insightful glimpse into a world that has been all but forgotten by the rest of the world.

The film begins by introducing us to a group of dedicated film archivists who are struggling to preserve the fragile remains of Afghanistan's cinematic history. For decades, this history has been threatened by war, neglect, and the ravages of time. But these archivists are determined to save what they can, and to share these forgotten treasures with the world.

As the film delves deeper into Afghanistan's cinematic past, we are introduced to a number of key players, including former film directors, actors, and critics. Through interviews and archival footage, we learn about the vibrant film culture that existed in Afghanistan in the 1960s and 70s, when the country was relatively peaceful and progressive.

We also learn about the devastating impact that decades of war and Taliban rule have had on Afghanistan's film industry. Many films were destroyed or lost, and those that survived were often censored or heavily edited to remove anything that was deemed un-Islamic or politically sensitive.

Despite these challenges, the archivists continue their work, painstakingly restoring and digitizing old films, and tracking down lost footage that has been hidden away during times of turmoil. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring, and give us hope that these films will one day find a wider audience and a place in the world's cultural history.

The heart of the film is the story of the restoration of the Afghan classic, "The Stray Dog". This film was made in 1970, a time when Afghan films were celebrated for their exuberance, levity and color. It is a whodunit crime story set in post-revolutionary Kabul starring the beloved actor Abdul Ghafar Tufan. The archivist Isaaq Yusuf, the only person to have seen the full original reel, plays the film to key cast and crew – revealing a lost layer of Afghan society stridently declaring that in the past Afghanistan was different, and this is a country that can produce art and culture. This scene is deeply emotional, and gives us a glimpse into the powerful role that cinema can play in preserving and promoting a country's cultural identity.

Overall, A Flickering Truth is a powerful and heartwarming documentary that sheds light on a little-known corner of the world's cinematic history. Through its depictions of dedicated archivists and the stories behind some of Afghanistan's greatest films, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of the human spirit, and the power of film to connect us to our shared history and culture. Whether you are a film buff, a history buff, or simply someone who cares about the human experience, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A Flickering Truth is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.