Laffghanistan: Comedy Down Range is a 2009 documentary-style comedy film centered on a group of comedians who travel to Afghanistan to entertain the troops stationed there. The film follows the journey of the group, consisting of Graham Elwood, Aziz, and Timothy A. Bennett, as they rehearse their material and interact with the soldiers in the war-torn country.
The film begins by introducing each of the comedians and their individual backgrounds. Graham Elwood is a former military man who has performed for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan before. Aziz is a Muslim comedian who wants to use his humor to bridge cultural gaps and break down stereotypes. Timothy A. Bennett is a young comedian and former soldier who has never been to Afghanistan before.
As the group prepares for their journey, they discuss the challenges of performing in a hostile environment and creating material that will resonate with soldiers who are dealing with the stresses of war. They also reflect on the risks involved in traveling to a warzone and performing in front of an audience that is constantly on edge.
Once they arrive in Afghanistan, the comedians are met with a barrage of military personnel, weapons, and armored vehicles. They navigate the dusty landscapes and tightly controlled security checkpoints to reach their first base, where they are met with a warm welcome from the troops.
The group begins to perform their comedy sets, starting with a small audience at the base and building up to larger crowds at different locations throughout Afghanistan. They take on the task of bringing laughter to soldiers who are dealing with homesickness, stress, and the constant threat of danger.
Throughout the film, the comedians interact with soldiers, getting a glimpse into their daily lives and struggles. They talk to soldiers who have lost friends and seen atrocities firsthand, as well as those who are just trying to pass the time and make it through their deployment.
The group also visits different sections of the military, including the air squadron and medical wards. They perform for soldiers who are about to go out on missions, and for those who are recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty. The comedians take on the role of bringing a bit of levity and joy to those who are putting their lives on the line every day.
The film also includes interviews with soldiers who share their thoughts on the importance of comedy in a warzone. They talk about how humor can help them cope with the stresses of war and provide an escape from the harsh realities of their environment.
As the tour draws to a close, the comedians reflect on the impact they had on the troops they met. They discuss the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families and express their gratitude for the opportunity to provide some much-needed laughter.
Overall, Laffghanistan: Comedy Down Range is a unique and entertaining film that offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. It shows the power of humor to break down barriers and bring people together, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The film is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country and the importance of supporting them in any way we can.
Laffghanistan: Comedy Down Range is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
