Afghan Star

Following in the footsteps of American Idol and Britain's Pop Idol, Tolo TV in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has broadcast Afghan Star since 2005. Like its counterparts, the show encourages viewers to vote by mobile phone. Politically, however, the show stands apart: even though the mujahideen's ban on music and television was lifted after the 2004 elections, significant resistance to pop culture remains. While acknowledging the desire for fame, the contestants themselves often have a political perspective: 19-year-old Rafi, for instance, also aims to uplift his people after 30 years of repression, and 20-year-old Hameed hopes to bring “peace and prosperity to Afghanistan.” Like Rafi and Hameed, the show's producers see the series as a vehicle toward greater unity (song lyrics notably reference religions from Muslim to Hinduism). Director Havana Marking captures the progress of the aforementioned male contestants, as well as that of their female competitors, Lema and Setara. Both Rafi and Lema speak of the personal dangers of public competition, which are so extreme that they fear for their lives and those of their families. Particularly at risk is Setara, who dances when she sings, inspiring horrible comments (such as “she's a whore” and “she should be killed”) from citizens in her hometown of Herat. Marking also speaks with fans and Afghan Star producer Habib Amiri and director-presenter Daoud Sediqi. In the end, the documentary illustrates how far Afghanistan has progressed in terms of social freedoms since Taliban rule, but the shameful treatment of Setara suggests there's still a long ways to go. DVD extras include an interview with Marking. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)