History has witnessed justification of war and strife by the opposing camps through innumerable reasons. Despite the debate on the right and wrong, one underlying aspect of this man-made disaster cannot be disputed and that is the suffering civilians caught in the crossfire between the aggressor and defender. Writer-director Nagieb Khaja’s latest documentary “My Afghanistan” precisely highlights this aspect of the country which has witnessed turmoil for more than three decades now. Having covered the wars in Afghanistan and Syria he has also directed documentary and current affairs films like “Inside The Taliban”, “Rise Of The British Jihadists” and “This Is Taliban Country” among others.
At a little under 60 minutes, the film stands out for focusing on the lives ordinary people of Helmand province significantly shot by commoners. Tired of the stereotypical coverage of Afghan as either oppressors or victims Nagieb wanted to create a nuanced piece about life of ordinary Afghans. At the same time make it different from the usual Western war zone reporting. “It was important to show that a lot of people living in the warzones were just trying to survive and carry on with their daily routines. Both parties say they fight for Afghanistan but the majority don’t want anybody to fight for them and just want to have an ordinary life with love, work, education, etc.”
Initially, he chose 30 people providing them mobile phones to shoot but ended with only nine. Of this footage of five, namely, Shukrullah (19), Abdul Muhammad, a farmer (40), Haji Sahib, worker in health clinic (48), Juma Gul, working with construction company (20) and Nargis, were selected for the final film. “I chose a group which represented different segments of the society, different ages and ethnicity. Also I tried to make the footage as representative as possible so I didn’t show a disproportionate amount of war in comparison with ordinary daily life,” explains the director. Apart from training he advised them to speak from their heart while filming themselves and avoid anything dangerous.
War and fighting have forced Haji’s family to abandon their house located in a lush green area covered with black mulberry, pomegranate, plum and apricots trees and its lovely cool breeze and move to temporary accommodation which is very dry. It is heart wrenching to watch destruction of the place in the latter half of the film.
Representing young is Shukrullah whose school has been destroyed and goaded by his family he trudges a great distance to continues his studies. Interestingly his friend in the film comments that he prefers punishment by teachers to seeing the school in ruins. At Shukrullah’s home one sees the family consisting of his younger siblings –– huddled in a corner with hands clamping their ears –– while exchange of gunfire is in progress outside. Apart from creating fear in these young minds the hospital shots in the documentary depict a young boy with a bandaged eye and maimed hand. Comments Nagieb: “The scenes with victims of the war are extremely important because it is unfortunately a part of the everyday life of the Afghans in the war-torn areas. They are affected and hurt by not only the insurgents but also the Government and foreign forces.”
Despite all the travails, human perseverance comes out distinctly in the film. A beaming Abdul says: “This is my field. When I walk here I feel happy.” We see Haji injecting an infant in the clinic undeterred by the circumstances.
The documentary is not devoid of humour. Haji claims his jeep as 70 year old and narrates how when a guard asked for its papers he described it as “shaikhpani” that is the old and the frail of the world not obliged to fast and pray, allowing him to carry on. Equally funny is his warning to other road users when driving the vehicle. Juma depicts the hairstyling and a friendly wrestling bout for the viewers.
According to the director, “It is impossible to make peace without negotiations with the Taliban and other insurgents…peace cannot be reached without an honest process which involves all actors, specially the U.S. and Pakistan who are aiding the two warring parties.” Witnessing the plight and predicament of the commoners one hopes peace returns.
(The documentary was telecast on BBC World News on January 17 and 18)
