True/False Films

Afghan Star

This film is fully or mostly subtitled.

In person: director Havana Marking

Afghanistan's not just war-torn. It's pop-crazed, too. After 30 years of war and Taliban repression, an American Idol-like competition is now consuming the country. Through the lens of the popular show Afghan Star, director Havana Marking offers a fascinating glimpse into a wildly diverse, remarkably young country (60 percent are under 21) coming to terms with music (outlawed under Taliban rule), freedom, (somewhat) independent media and gender equality. The stakes are high: The text-messaging voting system seems an incipient form of democracy. Only three female competitors dare enter the contest, and one, after breaking a taboo against dancing, receives death threats. With drama like that, it's no wonder the final show is watched by a third of the country. Entertaining, colorful and at times edge-of-seat tense, this unconventional pop adventure is an unforgettable introduction to a culture in major transition. (IK)