Afghanistan may have become a byword for war and tragedy but the first ever Afghan Film Festival in the UK explores the rich cultural possibilities from a nation whose capital was once described as 'the light garden of the Angel king.'
In February 2008 Edinburgh played host to Reel Afghanistan - the UK’s first festival of Afghan Cinema and Culture. A myriad of events took place throughout the city, from performances by Afghan traditional musicians to Golden Globe award-winner Siddiq Barmak travelling from Kabul to present his film Osama.
Reel Afghanistan looks at a largely unknown and exciting area of cinema. Accompanying the Film Festival were music events, exhibitions, talks and master-classes at the Filmhouse and elsewhere.
Of course the war is unavoidably present, but whether it is Earth and Ashes exploring the beauty of the landscape, or Kabul Beauty Academy examining the physical beauty of the people, Reel Afghanistan looks at a largely unknown and exciting area of cinema.
The festival took place on 21 February – 8 March 2008. It was a celebration of Afghan culture and cultural exchange. The programme included film screenings, talks and master classes by filmmakers, as well as musical events and exhibitions by local and international artists. This is the first-ever Afghan film and cultural festival in the UK.
Award-winning film-maker Siddiq Barmak travelled from Kabul to present his Golden Globe winning film Osama.
Award-winning film-maker and author Atiq Rahimi presented his film Earth and Ashes and took part in a master-class on Afghan Cinema with director Siddiq Barmak at the Scottish Documentary Institute. It was a unique occasion to meet and discuss cinematic practices with two of the countries top directors.
Cult director Richard Stanley introduced his early film Voice of the Moon, capturing Afghanistan in the late 1980’s when he absconded from a UNICEF mission to travel and film with the Mujahedeen. He also hosted a talk in the Scottish Documentary Institute.
Award-winning Director Phil Grabsky presented his beautiful documentary, The Boy who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan, detailing some of the lives of the 250 refugee families living in the caves surrounding the Taliban-destroyed buddhas.
Acclaimed musicians Kharabat came directly from Kabul to perform Afghan traditional music alongside UK based Afghan artists including Yusuf Mahmoud (who has played internationally with artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) in the Queen’s Hall and the Reid Concert Hall.
A number of photographers exhibited thoughout Edinburgh including Ivan Sigal (Internews), Aliki Sapountzi, Richard Stanley and Immo Horn.
The Reel Afghanistan Festival was sponsored by:
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