Project Detail

Afghan Star

Synopsis

After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop culture has returned to Afghanistan. Millions are watching Afghan Star - a Pop Idol-style TV series in which people from across the country compete for a cash prize and record deal. 2000 people audition, including three brave women. The viewers vote for their favorite singers by mobile phone and for many this is their first encounter with democracy.

This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four young contestants as they compete for the star title. Through them we explore issues or gender, religion, ethnic equality, freedom of speech, economic stability and the mighty power of TV itself. But it takes a terrifying turn as one young woman dances on stage, threatening her safety, her family and the future of the show itself. In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing.

Details

Year: 2009
Type of film: Features
Running time: 87 mins
Format: HDV
Director: Havana Marking 1st Feature
Producer: Mike Lerner, Martin Herring, Jahid Mohseni, Saad Mohseni
Editor: Ash Jenkins
Screenwriter: n/a
Director of Photography: Phil Stebbing
Production Designer: n/a
Sound: Phil Stebbing
Composer: Various and Simon Russell

Genre

Music Woman Director Dance

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Roast Beef Productions

142 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0LB
UK

T +44 (0)20 7240 2885

mike@roastbeeftv.com

Visit Website

www.afghanstardocumentary.com

Co-Producers:

Redstart Media

T +44 (0)7970 113694

info@redstart-media.com

Aria Productions

T +971 (0) 50709 6895

Jahid.Mohseni@mobycapital.com

Sales Company

Niki Page at C4i

21-25 St Anne's Court
London, W1F 0BJ
UK

T +44 (0)20 7494 5790

nikipage@c4i.co.uk

Visit Website

www.c4i.tv

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This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

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