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A cynic might be a little saddened that the newfound freedoms of the Afghan people are manifesting themselves in their adoption of a segment of our pop culture as disposable as American Idol. But Afghan Star, the documentary about the analogous Afghan television show of the same name, shows that in a different context, that show's format can be seen as evidence of a people's liberation.
Under Taliban rule, the people of Afghanistan had no music at all. It was forbidden by law, and anyone playing music, possessing musical instruments, playing or possessing pre-recorded music, or even singing anything other than religious chants was subject to harsh punishment. Knowing that all music was a black market underground commodity, it's easy to see why something as simple as a television show devoted to not only broadcasting music, but encouraging people around the country to participate in music, is potentially inspirational.
Afghan Star concentrates on four of the show's contestants, two women and two men, as they compete week after week for the title. The format is similar to what Americans are used to, with an all-smiles host introducing performances by the contestants each week amid bright lights and enthusiastic audiences. Those at home vote for their favorites via text message. All that's missing is snarky judges' commentary. But there are elements added here: in a country where democracy is new, everyone wants to be running for something; hence, during the time between broadcasts, the contestants and their "campaigns" pass out fliers, post posters, and do meet and greets in any location people will shake their hands. One producer tells how a fan sells his car for $6,000 to help with the campaign while another purchases 10,000 mobile phone SIM cards in order to pad the ballot box for his favorite singer.
Everywhere the cameras go, Afghans praise the show as evidence that the country's many diverse tribes can live together in peace and harmony; the divisions that have created so much conflict in Afghanistan mean less and less as the society grows more open and more modern.
Which is all well and good, but the country can't quite turn on a dime and change its character overnight. Afghan Star's strength is its willingness to not just celebrate a country having found its melody and harmony again, but to also show how far they have to go. They may be free to make music, but when one female contestant, in a fit of emotion, begins (modestly) dancing on national television, we're treated to a show of just how large a role religious intolerance still plays in the country. It's chilling to watch young men in the street declaring, without exaggeration, that they think she should be killed for this offense. That she essentially must then go into hiding before fleeing back to her family is a sobering reminder that the steps the country is taking towards its pre-invasion progressivism may be significant, but they're baby steps nonetheless.
For all the dramatic pull of the competition and insight into current culture and politics in Afghanistan, it's a bit of a shame that the film itself is such a dry affair. The endless establishing shots of life in the different regions of the country that are sprinkled in, around, and over top of their words adds little to the story. It's a rural country, it's a poor country, it's a war torn country, these shots tell us; a solid tie between the images and what's actually happening is rarely established. Even so, the characters here and the rare opportunity to look beyond the usual headlines are still more than enough to make it worthwhile.
Afghan Star screens tonight at SILVERDOCS at 7:45 p.m. and Friday at 11:45 a.m.
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