Watch Afghan Star

Afghan Star is a 2009 documentary film directed by Havana Marking that delves into the world of reality television and pop culture in Afghanistan. The film follows the journey of several contestants as they compete on Afghanistan's version of American Idol - a talent show called Afghan Star. Afghan Star showcases the cultural, social and political changes that are taking place in Afghanistan. The film takes us inside the homes of the contestants where we learn about their backgrounds, their hopes and dreams, and their struggles in a country that has been plagued by war and conflict for decades. Through the course of the film, we also see how music and the arts have become an important part of Afghan culture and how the show has become a symbol of freedom and expression for its participants.

The film focuses on four contestants - Rafi Naabzada, Setara Hussainzada, Lima Sahar, and Hameed Sakhizada. Each one has a unique backstory and a compelling reason why they want to win Afghan Star. Rafi, for example, is a traditional singer who wants to introduce new styles and break away from the traditional style of Afghan songs. Setara is a bold and ambitious performer who wants to use the show to make a statement about women's rights in the country. Lima is a former refugee who wants to use the show to help her reunite with her mother who lives in Pakistan. Hameed is a member of the Hazara minority who wants to use the show to promote unity and peace in Afghanistan.

The film captures the cultural divide that exists in the country, as young people try to reconcile their love for music and pop culture with the country's religious and cultural norms. Setara's performance, where she danced with her headscarf flowing in the air, and moved her hips in a way that was deemed inappropriate, caused a furor among the conservative audience, but also earned her the admiration of her fans. The incident was a reminder of the deep chasm that still exists between the traditional and modern segments of Afghan society.

Afghan Star is more than just a film about a reality show. It is also a film about the power of music and the arts to unite people and bridge cultural divides. The show has become a platform where people from different parts of the country and different ethnic backgrounds can come together and share their love for music. Through their performances, the contestants are able to break down stereotypes and show that despite their differences, they are all Afghans.

The film also highlights the risks and dangers that come with being part of a show that challenges the country's religious and cultural norms. The contestants face threats and intimidation from conservative elements in society who view the show as a symbol of Western decadence. The film shows how the contestants deal with the pressures of being in the public eye and the sacrifices they make to pursue their dreams.

In conclusion, Afghan Star is a powerful and moving documentary that provides a window into the changing face of Afghanistan. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of pop culture and politics in the Muslim world. Through the lens of the reality show, Marking has created a compelling narrative that captures the complexities of a country grappling with its past while trying to chart a new future.

Afghan Star is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 78.