It might come as a surprise to some, but the war in Afghanistan is still ongoing and there’s no clear end in sight. Whilst there are still foreign troops on the ground, the media coverage is very limited unless there’s a particularly horrific massacre or extremely deadly suicide bomb. As the security forces continue to fight against the twin threats of the Taliban and daish, ordinary Afghanis try and get on with their lives. Often in extremely difficult circumstances.
Kabul, City in the Wind, is the new documentary from Aboozar Amini which looks at this daily struggle through the eyes of two residents of the Afghan capital. Abas has invested all his hopes, dreams and savings in a decrepit old bus. He tries to drum up custom as he negotiates the bomb-scarred streets. When his father, a former soldier, takes refuge in Iran, a young teenager Afshin find himself suddenly thrust into the role as head of his family. As a biting wind transports dust around the city.
Amini uses his feature debut to build up a picture of modern-day Afghanistan through the eyes of these two personable characters. Through their experiences, problems and perspectives, Kabul, City in the Wind opens up a larger story of what daily life is like living under constant fear and a with a persistent hope. It’s a beautifully made and extremely thoughtful portrait of a city trying to move on.
Kabul, City in the Wind screens at Sheffield Doc/Fest on 7 and 10 June.
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