Watch Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi

Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi is a 2009 documentary film that highlights the life and career of Ajmal Naqshbandi - an Afghan journalist and "fixer" who was kidnapped and killed by the Taliban in 2007. The documentary is directed by Ian Olds and features interviews with Naqshbandi's family, friends, colleagues, and the reporter he worked with - Christian Parenti.

The documentary reveals the story of Naqshbandi who started his career as a translator for foreign journalists in Afghanistan. He was responsible for arranging interviews, providing transportation, and ensuring safety for the journalists. Naqshbandi was not simply a translator, he was also a guide and a friend for the foreign correspondents.

Through his work, Naqshbandi became known to the American journalist Christian Parenti, who was working on a story about the Taliban in 2007. Naqshbandi was serving as his fixer and guide when the two of them were ambushed by a group of Taliban militants. Parenti survived the ambush, but Naqshbandi was abducted and later executed.

The movie Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi gives us an insight into the emotional experience faced by Naqshbandi's family and friends during and after his kidnapping. It also shows the impact of Naqshbandi's death on his colleagues in the journalism industry who relied on his skills as a fixer.

The documentary focuses on the challenges faced by journalists in Afghanistan, who are often threatened or attacked for reporting on sensitive issues. The film raises important questions about the role of foreign correspondents in war-torn countries and the dangers that they face. It also brings to light the largely unheralded efforts of Afghan journalists, who work tirelessly to provide accurate news coverage in a difficult and often precarious environment.

Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi is a well-crafted documentary that honours the life and legacy of a brave Afghan journalist. It tells an important story of a man who dedicated his life to helping foreign correspondents report on the situation in Afghanistan, only to become a victim of the very forces he was trying to expose. The film gives us a glimpse into the world of journalism in conflict zones and the crucial role played by the "fixers" who often work behind the scenes to keep correspondents safe.

In conclusion, Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi is a compelling documentary that sheds light on the brave work of journalists and fixers in Afghanistan. It honours the memory of a talented and courageous journalist who gave his life in pursuit of the truth. The movie is a testament to the importance of the work performed by journalists and the risks they face in their efforts to uncover the truth.