Kabullywood is a 2017 Afghan film that tells a heartwarming story of a group of passionate local artists, who dream of creating Afghanistan's first ever cinematic masterpiece. The movie portrays the harsh realities of life in a war-torn country and the struggles faced by artists in the face of censorship and violence. The film stars Roya Heydari, Farid Joya, and Ghulam Reza Rajabi, among others, and has been directed by the talented duo of Louis Meunier and Jawed Taiman.
The movie is set in Kabul, where a group of enterprising young artists led by Salim (Farid Joya) are determined to make a difference in their war-torn country. They dream of making a movie that will showcase the beauty of Afghanistan and its people, and in doing so, inspire hope and positivity among the locals. Despite facing numerous challenges, the group is resolute in their mission, and they set out to create a film that will be loved by all.
As the group begins to write the screenplay, they are met with a slew of challenges, ranging from finding the right actors, to dealing with the censor board, to even covertly filming scenes in the streets of Kabul. With limited finances and resources, the team must make do with what they have, and this often involves improvising with local resources and taking the support of the community.
The film's lead actress, Roya (Roya Heydari), is a strong and independent woman who does not shy away from speaking her mind. She is equally passionate about the movie and believes that it can make a significant impact in the lives of the Afghan people. However, with the conservative culture of the country, Roya's outspoken nature often lands her in trouble, and she has to bear the brunt of it.
Ghulam Reza Rajabi plays the antagonist in the movie, and he brings a sense of realism to the film. He plays the role of a corrupt censor board member who is a thorn in the side of the filmmakers. He is determined to prevent the film from being made, and he uses all the power at his disposal to thwart their efforts.
As the movie progresses, we see the group working tirelessly to overcome the various obstacles that come their way. They battle censorship, violent opposition groups, and a lack of resources. However, their passion and determination never waver, and they continue to work towards their dream of making Kabullywood a reality.
One of the things that stand out in the movie is the portrayal of the local Afghan culture. The film captures the essence of Kabul, its people, and their traditions, and brings them to life in a way that is both authentic and charming. The movie showcases the beauty of Afghanistan, despite the violence and turmoil that the country is facing.
Overall, Kabullywood is an inspiring and heartwarming film that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers. It is a movie that is relevant not just to Afghanistan but to the world at large. The film reminds us of the beauty of art and its power to bring about change even in the most difficult of circumstances. The performances by the actors are exceptional, and the direction is top-notch. Kabullywood is a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema and believes in the power of art to transform lives.
Kabullywood is a 2021 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
