Uwaga Afganistan!

The Polish presence in Afghanistan seems to be all about the war. There’s hardly any cultural co-operation between the two countries. However, the success of last year’s groundbreaking review of Afghan film proved how much the Polish audience wants to get to know the real Afghanistan, the land devastated by 30 years of war and violence. What the public might not know is the fact that, despite appearances, it’s a place where cinematography is cultivated and where young artists are considered a national treasure.

"Uwaga Afganistan" is the brainchild of Anna Minkiewicz, a dynamic lady who has spent five years as an aid worker in the country. She now wants to show us the real Afghanistan.

This year, the event is back with twenty more cinematic surprises. Minkiewicz has invited three leading Afghan directors as special guests, and the review will reveal a fresh mix of feature, documentary and animated films. Star guest is Siddiq Barmak, whose celebrated Osama, won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film and numerous other international awards. His latest feature Opium War will be screened as part of the festival.

"Uwaga Afganistan" 2008

Thursday, 6th November
8.30 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Kabul Cinema by Mirwais Rekab (2002), The Wall by Siddiq Barmak (1983), Opium War by Siddiq Barmak (2008), afterwards: meeting with Siddiq Barmak

Friday, 7th November
6.15 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Sayeh (1990), I Want Horse, Not Wife by Homayun Paiez (2008), Se Noqta by Roya Sadat (2004)

8.30 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Joy of Desire by Qader Arya-ee (2007), Beiganah by Siddiq Barmak (1987), 25 DARSAT by Diana Saqeb (2007), afterwards: meeting with Dianą Saqeb

Saturday, 8th November
6.15 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Last Call by Sayed Ali Reza Sajjadi (2008), Edameh Rah by Nazifa Zakizada (2006), Nejat by Saba Sahar (2007)

8.30 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Hope by Moh. Harun Hamdard (2006), Talabgar by Khaleq Alil (1969), Stoning by Latif Ahmadi (200?), afterwards: meeting with Latif Ahmadi

Sunday, 9th November
4.30 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Osama by Siddiq Barmak (2003)

6.15 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Shelter by Mohsen Hussain (2006), Boom Rang by Dariusz Gharibzadah (2007, Mardhara Qalil Ast by Said Orokzai (1986)

8.30 pm
Afghan Film Chronicle (1968), Daira by Siddiq Barmak (1985), An Apple From Paradise by Homayun Morowat (2008), afterwards: meeting with all the guests
TICKETS: 14 and 12 zl , a special ticket for 8 shows: 49 zl.

The review will also take place in other Polish cities.