Watch Enemies of Happiness

"Enemies of Happiness" is a documentary film released in 2006 directed by Eva Mulvad and Anja Al-Erhayem. The movie is about the journey of Malalai Joya, who is known as a feminist activist and a politician hailing from Afghanistan. She has been recognized worldwide for her activism against the Taliban and her courage in speaking out against warlords and corrupt government officials.

The documentary takes a deep look into the life of Joya, from her childhood to her election in 2005 as the youngest member of the Afghan parliament. The film follows her journey from a refugee to her fighting for women’s rights, peace, and democracy in her motherland Afghanistan. Joya was elected as a parliament member, representing the Farah province, after a successful campaign where she spoke about the atrocities being committed in Afghanistan and the lack of accountability by the warlords.

The movie depicts Malalai's struggles and the threats she faced as a human rights activist and politician. As a woman, she was fighting against the patriarchal system, where the odds were against her. She was threatened continuously and attacked physically, but she didn't back down. In fact, she became more determined to fight for democracy and safety for the people of Afghanistan.

The documentary takes us through many of Joya's speeches, showing the passion and commitment that she has towards her beliefs. She stands up in her parliament sessions and openly calls out the injustices she witnesses, never backing down from adversity, whether from the Taliban or the men in parliament.

"Enemies of Happiness" shows how important it is to have powerful women who will fight for the rights of their people, and the struggles one has to face to achieve that. Malalai Joya has become a symbol of hope for many, and this documentary showcases her fight and struggle for democracy, women's rights, and peace.

The movie is not a typical documentary as it is more of a personal story of Malalai Joya, rather than a broader overview of Afghanistan. The film also shows the challenges faced by voters and the fragile nature of democracy in the country, while also portraying the joy and hope that comes with a free election.

Overall, "Enemies of Happiness" is an essential documentary that highlights the importance of democracy and the need for strong female role models in political leadership. It is a powerful representation of the struggles that women face in patriarchal societies, and the sacrifices that Malalai Joya made to fight for peace and justice in Afghanistan. The movie is inspiring, informative, and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in politics, human rights, or feminism.

Enemies of Happiness is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.