FRONTRUNNER: THE AFGHAN WOMAN WHO SURPRISED THE WORLD {IN DARI WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES} (MOTION PICTURE)
Summary
This documentary focuses on Dr. Massouda Jalal, an Afghan woman who attempted to become her country's president in 2004.
As the program opens, Jalal announces her political intentions on the radio, then comments on the effects from the Taliban's rule. As she opens her campaign headquarters, Jalal talks about her lack of financial and community support as various male candidates begin their own campaigns. Zalway Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, voices his doubts that the country is ready for a woman president. Reaction is mixed from locals as Jalal goes to markets, mosques, and businesses, and reports soon surface of police tearing down Jalal's election posters.
After making an appearance on national TV, Jalal gives in to advisers who suggest that she highlight her role as a wife and the mother of three -- while still espousing her democratic values. Jalal takes issue with the policies of acting president Hamid Karzai, as well U.S President George W. Bush's support of Karzai. Rina Amiri, U.N. political affairs officer, tells how the country is trying to ward off voting irregularities as citizens prepare to vote for one of the eighteen candidates. Amiri tells how the fingers of voters will be marked with indelible ink to prevent repeat voting.
As Jalal visits various parts of the country, the Taliban tries to sabotage the election, including a roadside bomb attack on the convoy carrying Karzai's vice presidential candidate. On election day, Oct. 9, 2004, problems surface in Kabul when the indelible ink easily washes off fingers, prompting Jalal to hold a press conference. As sixteen candidates drop out, only Jalal and Karzai remain.
Following the election, a U.N. panel investigates the election, causing fourteen candidates to return. A month later, Karzai is announced as the winner, having garnered more than half of the eight million votes. Jalal, who comes in at sixth place, states that she will run for president in the next election.
Details
- NETWORK: N/A
- DATE: November 30, 2006
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:53
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 100557
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Afghanistan; Women in politics
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rory O'Connor … Executive Producer
- Virginia Williams … Producer, Director
- Halima Kazen … Co-Producer
- Susan Bryant … Associate Producer
- Shannon Grevious … Associate Producer
- Jane Latman … Associate Producer
- Robyn Mercurio … Associate Producer
- Aaron Rockett … Associate Producer
- Jacquetta Hayes … Field Producer
- Jerry Busher … Music by
- Brian Liu … Music by
- Joel Langley … Music by
- Rina Amiri
- George W. Bush
- Massouda Jalal
- Hamid Karzai
- Zalway Khalilzad