It is not often the Western world see another side to war-torn Afghanistan than the odd clip on the news or mentioned in connection with another soldier’s tragic death. However, Afghan Star is a stark opportunity to become acquainted with unseen country where voting for a singer to win a TV competition is the closest they have come to democracy in over 30 years. Director Havana Marking follows four hopefuls as they risk life and limb, literally, to fulfil their dreams while inspiring a nation.
Afghan Star opens with a young boy, deformed by war we can only assume, singing a song for the camera. He talks about the happiness singing and music brings to him, this is perhaps one of the most touching scenes in the film. It's hard to contemplate that only a short while ago it was unacceptable for man, woman or child to sing, dance and smile in public. Perhaps that is why Tolo TV’s copy of Simon Cowell’s pocket-filling reality TV shows Pop Idol and X-Factor, shows regularly sneered at in the UK, captivated Afghan people.
Thousands of people queue to be auditioned for the show, not unlike in the UK, except the overwhelming majority are men – in fact only three women come to the audition. Two of which who make it through - Setara, a 21 year-old from Herat and Lima, a 25 year-old from Kandahar. They are competing against, amongst others, 19 year-old Rafi and Hameed.
Each have a journey worth telling but it is the women who are the most intriguing. Both are obvious fighters; Lima attributes this to her home-town of Herat where the people are known as born fighters and Setara to her overwhelming desire to live how she wants, much to the disapproval of others. While Lima sticks firmly to the rules Setara allows herself to be taken away in the moment, causing up-roar and receiving death threats because she dares to dance during her last performance. It is revelation s like this, and learning that TV was blacked out for five years, is what makes Afghan Star an eye-opening watch for Westerners.
People vote for their favourite singers, many who come from once opposing districts, by mobile phone. However, the harrowing voice of the Taliban is still in the distance threatening to ruin the last show. They warn they will bomb all telephone companies head quarters if they do not suspend their masts after the Taliban believe opposition armies are tracking them through their mobiles.
Perhaps making a documentary in a political hot bed such as Afghanistan and focusing on reality TV is a little uncouth. However, it is refreshing to learn about Afghan people in a different context. To understand that war has not only brought death but loss of liberty and freedom to enjoy something as simple as music is real eye-opener to watch. In particular Afghan Star is an education for those unacquainted with its devastating past and unforeseen future which is dealt within terms western people easily relate to. Be enlightened by this documentary that reminds us life, freedom and art is always worth fighting for.
