My Childhood, My Country - 20 Years in Afghanistan documents the everyday life of Mir Hussain as he grows up in war-torn Afghanistan. The camera follows Mir from 2001 to 2021, providing a rare, intimate look at life in Afghanistan during this notable period of history.
War has formed the backdrop of Mir's life, his experiences and environment shaped by both the gains and the devastation it has wrought. Filmmakers Phil Grabsky and Shoaib Sharifi smoothly weave together Mir's life and the war's timeline, illustrating the everyday implications of war for Afghan citizens.
Filming begins when Mir is seven years old at the start of the War in Afghanistan in 2001 and continues through the recent Taliban takeover in 2021. The documentary takes a measured view of the war, acknowledging the social and political gains made after U.S. (and other foreign allies) involvement but also the massive human cost. In the beginning, Afghans hoped America would free their country, but as the violence escalated and the country remained in poverty, they grew disillusioned with false promises of peace and prosperity.
This documentary takes a familiar, relevant topic and gives it a human face. Instead of impersonal statistics and news stories detailing the toll of the war and the hardships faced by the Afghan people, it tells one boy's story as he navigates this harsh environment. We, the audience, get to see the realities of Mir's country through his eyes as he grows from a carefree, exuberant little boy into a weary yet hopeful young man who wishes for a brighter future for his children. My Childhood, My Country - 20 Years in Afghanistan is an impressive feat of dedication, giving us a glimpse into the life of one man whose world has been deeply impacted by a war that has spanned most of his lifetime. Highly Recommended. Aud: C, P.