When was the last time you saw an independent film from Afghanistan? Chances are slim.
French film director Louis Meunier wanted to change that. He started Taimani Films in 2007 and produced two documentaries. Unfortunately Afghanistan’s waning security in 2008 meant finding a hosting theatre would be impossible. So last year, Meunier and a few friends decided to make the film Kabuliwood. Played by comedy troupe Aftaab, the plot has a group of artists opening a fictional cultural centre in Kabul.
Here’s where it gets incredible. Enter Cinema Aryub – once Afghanistan’s largest cinema, it was abandoned because of Taliban and Mujahidin conflict. After scouting it out, Meunier realized renovations were only basic and that turning it into an actual indie arts hub was possible.
Kabuliwood is a film and community revival project rolled into one. Afghanistan’s independent artists don’t get nearly enough attention abroad or within Afghanistan for their efforts in shaping culture and shattering stereotypes (Kabuliwood itself has Shohrah Sabaghy, a female troupe member, play a main character.).
While the indiegogo video is informative, Kabuliwood’s other videos starring Aftaab themselves and Cinema Aryub’s projectionist really breathe life into this project.
The perks are pretty cool. There’s electronic updates ($25), a download of the movie once its finished ($50) and getting your name in the credits perk ($250). $1000 gets you everything and your name graffitied on a wall in Kabul.
Funding Kabuliwood would not only support independent entertainers in Afghanistan – a renovated theatre means the entire Kabul area will have a new home for artists.
http://vimeo.com/70077256#
Women’s presence in arts and cinema:One of the things that makes us hopeful for the future it is the participation of the women in all arenas including cinema and filmmaking. The women have had a significant presence in cinema and filmmaking in big cities like Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e- sharif despite of all difficulties and problems they have. There are women emerging as directors and actresses and producers.