Afghan Star - Pre Thoughts

Afghan Star is a documentary that follows the course of a talent show in Afghanistan. This very popular privately funded production showcases civilian contestants performing musical acts. The talent show is televised and broadcasted all throughout the country on a weekly basis, and the performers sing for the chance at winning national fame and recognition. It might be easier to just say that Afghan Star is the Afghan version of American Idol. While you may get the impression that this film will be jolly and uplifting, there is actually a huge threat of danger that comes to the contestants and makers of this show. To really understand what is happening in this film, it will probably be necessary to update your global current events knowledge. Let’s just say that a very strict and powerful group of people called the Taliban will come into play in this film. As the “regulators” of Afghanistan, the Taliban take away civilian freedoms. This documentary shows us how a talent show is attempting to provide entertainment to the craving Afghanis who seem to live nowadays with no joy. In a deeper sense, Afghan Star is fighting back against the barriers and shackles of constrained expression that the Taliban brings upon their people. It should be interesting to find out how the show Afghan Star will affect individual lives, as well as contribute to the revival of Afghan nostalgia.