Review of Afghan Star (2008) by Omar L — 02 Apr 2010

Afghan Star is a documentary covering a hugely popular television show in Afghanistan that is their version of â??American Idolâ??. One third of the country tuned in for the final episode. The film covers four Afghans of which two are women. They all come from different regions, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Singing was outlawed under Taliban rule along with television, music, and dancing. This new found freedom is new for most Afghans, but a threat still lingers.

You come to admire each contestant with their passion in the face of danger. They risk their lives to sing on television, but itâ??s hugely liberating for the Afghanistan people whoâ??ve lived in deep repression for years. For many Afghans this show represents their first taste of democracy where their able to vote through SMS on cell phones for their favorite contestants each night. You come to know and embrace each character with their hopes, dreams, and fears. The film takes an intimate look at each contestant as well as the Afghan people and their rapidly growing culture that is now touched with an amount of freedom theyâ??ve never known before.

A key scene comes when the young Afghan woman Setera gets eliminated. Sheâ??s allowed to perform one last song before leaving the show and her emotions get the better of her. She sings beautifully but decides to dance along with her song. A simple dance where sheâ??s barely taking a few steps here and there, but itâ??s enough to provide a national scandal. To sing is already controversial to many Afghans, but to dance is an outrage. Her life is in eminent danger after her dance. Many of us take for granted the freedoms we have in the USA because itâ??s all weâ??ve ever known, but it comes with a price that needs to paid. This film is wonderful and teaches us many lessons and reinforces some we subconsciously might already be aware of. Music is universal and crosses all races and beliefs & it can bring a nation together. 10/10 from me.