AFGHAN STAR {IN DARI WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES} (MOTION PICTURE)
Summary
This documentary follows four young contestants vying to be crowned as the winner of the Afghan version of "American Idol." As the narrative opens, children gather to watch Tolo TV's "Afghan Star," the country's first televised talent competition since the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's elections in 2004, resulting in the country's relaxation of music and dancing restrictions. Contestants are seen auditioning for the judges at a Kabul wedding hall. Daoud Sediqi, host and director of the show, notes that viewers embrace the concept of voting for their favorite, marking the first "democratic experience" for many participants. Daoud introduces 19-year-old Rafi Naabzada of Mazar-e-Sharif, who sings a song as footage documents his preparations and belief that the war-torn country needs entertainment. Next, Lema Sahar, 25, of Kandahar Province, sings, as intercut footage reveals her challenges in being a female singer in Kabul. The third contestant, 20-year-old Hameed Sakhizada of Kabul, offers his song while footage tells how his musical preference has evolved from classical to pop. Lastly, Setara Hussainzada, a 22-year-old from Herat City, is seen in performance as footage documents her goal to become "a famous singer." When the finalists are narrowed to ten, Rafi, Lema, Hameed, and Setara all pass, qualifying for the $5,000 prize. Only Karim Mansouri is dismissed. Next, Daoud Sediqi travels around his home town of Kabul and comments about the program's detractors. Massoud Sanjer, head of production at Tolo TV, explains that the show is bringing Afghans together as they root for contestants that aren't from their own region. The show's producer, Habib Amiri, tells about the various elements that have helped make "Star" popular. The contestants subsequently visit neighborhoods in Kabul, discussing the problems of fame, potential romance, appropriate attire, problems living under Taliban rule, and "campaign" techniques to win the contest. Fans of the show, including "number one fan" Tamana Khan, then tell of their allegiances to the various contenders. On the next game day, Setara is eliminated, fulfilling the prediction of contestant Tahir Shaqi. As she sings her farewell song, Setara shocks viewers by removing her head scarf and dancing on the stage. As Setara leaves the studio, Tahir speculates that her actions have endangered her life. Daoud tells how the country's culture has grown increasingly limited since the Taliban took power in the '80s. Later, Ismael Khan, cabinet minister and former warlord, goes to Herat to condemn Setara's actions, and blames the Mujahideen for being too weak. Citizens of Herat also take Setara to task, with one speculating that she should be killed. Three weeks before the show's finale, the Ullema Council of Islamic Scholars meets, with leader Fazi Hadi Shinwari criticizing the show's "immorality." Lema, Rafi, and Hameed then tell the press that they will proceed as the show's final three contestants. On the next game day, Lema is eliminated and Rafi and Hameed go on to sing a duet. Later, the Taliban issues an edict against mobile phones, which has a negative effect on those trying to place "Afghan Star" votes. However, Daoud minimizes the significance of the Taliban's words. Setara is subsequently evicted from her Kabul apartment and returns to her family in Herat, despite death threats. Back in Kabul, workers at a TV repair shop tell how business has boomed due to those planning to watch the program's finale. As Rafi and Hameed head to the showdown, their support groups try to convince others to vote for their favorite. At Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, Rafi and Hameed each sing a song before Daoud announces that Rafi is the winner. Graphics then reveal the following: 11 million Afghans watched the last show; both Rafi and Hameed became household names and planned tours; Setara returned safely to Kabul to record an album; Lema was put under the protection of the governor of Kandahar after receiving threats from the Taliban; the Ullema Council successfully banned dancing on television; and "Afghan Star" continues to be broadcast.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 2008
- RUNNING TIME: 1:32:13
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 100239
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Afghanistan; Music - Competitions
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Martin Herring … Executive Producer
- Mike Lerner … Executive Producer
- Jahid Mohseni … Executive Producer
- Havana Marking … Producer, Director
- Rachel Reid … Development Producer
- Simon Russell … Music by
- Habib Amiri
- Setara Hussainzada
- Ismael Khan
- Tamana Khan
- Karim Mansouri
- Rafi Naabzada
- Lema Sahar
- Hameed Sakhizada
- Massoud Sanjer
- Daoud Sediqi
- Tahir Shaqi
- Fazi Hadi Shinwari