All the archives are controlled by Taliban now. Many independent directors that also competed in important international film festivals have seen all their works of the last few years completely erased. It’s like Schindler’s List. This is what happened in my country in August». During the international panel organized by Biennale Cinema about the situation Afghanistan, director Sahraa Karimi, the first female President of the Afghan Film Organisation, leaves no doubt about what is happening in her country while the entire world is watching impassively at the situation. «We wanted to build a better country with the support of our artists – says the Afghan documentarist Sarah Mani, – But these events left us without anything and who knows if tomorrow the Taliban will arrive somewhere else in the world. In one of my recent movies, I documented the abuses suffered by a young girl. It takes more than 10 years in Afghanistan to have justice». The panel was moderated by journalist Giuliano Battiston, the goal was to shine a light on the situation of the arts in that wounded country. «You can’t even imagine how hard we tried to make the government understand the importance of cinema – says Kharimi – During the years we looked for funds for our production, we convinced people to tell their stories and don’t be afraid of the camera. But after August 15 it is all over, we had to decide if we had to leave or stay there. And we are not talking about few directors, but of an entire generation of young brilliant talents that run away leaving all their belongings behind». Vanja Kaludjerciz, Rotterdam International Film Festival Artistic Director says that Venice Film Festival «is fundamental for the opportunity that gives to reach the international community because as you heard from these two directors the situation over there is critical».
Afghan directors needs help and support now
