Watch The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan is a 2010 documentary film that takes a deep dive into the plight of the young boys in Afghanistan forced to participate in the age-old tradition of Bacha Bazi. The term Bacha Bazi translates to 'boy play' and refers to an illegal practice of wealthy and influential Afghans who keep young boys as personal servants and sex slaves.

The documentary follows journalist Najibullah Quraishi, who ventures into the dark underbelly of Afghan society to spotlight this exploitative practice. The film effectively exposes how the poor and underage boys are exploited and made to dance in the most seedy and dangerous environments for the entertainment of their rich masters.

As the film sets forth, the boys are taken from the streets at a very young age by 'bacha bazi' masters, who take them in and train them in the art of dancing, singing and looking attractive to men. The boys are given feminine names, makeup, and dressed in women's clothes.

The film shows the dark side of the tradition, such as the boys being drugged, raped, humiliated and passed around as sex slaves for their masters' pleasure. The film also reveals the corruption that allows this practice to continue - the authorities, including the police and politicians, indulge in it and are paid handsomely. The problem is so deeply engrained that the boys themselves embrace it as an inevitable part of their lives and don't comprehend the disastrous implications.

The film does an excellent job of highlighting the Afghan society's moral decay and the burden placed on these helpless children. Additionally, it reflects on the shortfalls of the government in its responsibilities to uphold its laws and protect its citizens. The documentary stresses that it is an abuse that is deeply ingrained in Afghan society and requires a humanitarian, social and educated approach to deal with it effectively.

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan offers an insightful look at the dark side of a traditional practice that has been happening in Afghanistan for centuries. This documentary is an essential view for anyone who is willing to get to grips with the realities of the global sex trade and how the notion of human trafficking operates. Furthermore, the narrator's saddening voice and the harrowing confessions of the boys leave the viewer with questions, thoughts and a remarkably lasting effect.

The production quality of the documentary is also noteworthy, and the director's narrative style is compelling, effective and expertly portrays the boys' plight. The power of this documentary is in showing the plight of these boys towards an international audience, shedding light on something that turns a blind eye, and disrupting the issues that afflict these individuals daily.

In conclusion, The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan is a profoundly affecting documentary that serves as a reminder that education, enlightenment and public awareness are critical for change. Although it is difficult to watch due to the heartbreaking implications of the issues at hand, the documentary sufficiently represents the issue's complexity and provides a platform for beginning to comprehend these horrific realities. The film offers a harrowing yet timely reminder of the depravity that exists in the world and the critical need to end Bacha Bazi altogether.