Watch Afghan Dreams

Afghan Dreams is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the struggles of the youth in contemporary Afghanistan. Directed by Barmak Akram, the movie takes us on a journey through the lives of two young girls - Fatema and Zahra - who are passionate about music despite facing numerous obstacles. Set in a war-torn country, Afghan Dreams captures the daily challenges faced by the Afghan people. The film portrays the stark contrast between life in Kabul, the bustling capital city, and the remote mountainous regions of the country. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie by showing Fatema and Zahra awake before dawn to practice their music before the daily power cuts begin. The girls are determined to pursue their dream of becoming musicians despite their difficult circumstances.

The central character of the movie is Fatema, a teenager who has recently been released from a juvenile detention center for shoplifting. Her father, a drug addict, is unsupportive of her musical aspirations and does not want her to attend school. In an effort to help her succeed, the school's music teacher Mr. Sadat offers to mentor Fatema and Zahra. Mr. Sadat introduces the girls to an internationally renowned composer who is visiting Afghanistan and persuades him to teach them music.

The film takes us on a journey through the music lessons and shows how the girls' talents progress over time. However, not everyone is supportive of Fatema and Zahra's passion for music. The conservative views of some members of their community mean that the girls have to practice in secret and face condemnation for breaking with traditional gender roles. The filmmakers also highlight the challenges that women face in Afghanistan, including forced early marriages and limited access to education.

The movie's visuals are stunning, with the Afghan landscape serving as a beautiful backdrop to the story. The director captures the bustling streets of Kabul as well as the remote and isolated mountain communities that the girls come from. The scenes where the girls are playing music amidst the mountains are particularly breathtaking.

The performances by the two young actresses, Nabila Barmaki and Rohila Burhanzoi, are incredibly impressive. Both girls convey complex emotions in their performances, winning the audiences' hearts with their vulnerability and determination. The chemistry between the two leads is excellent, and they deliver their lines with authenticity, making the audience believe that they are real-life friends.

The score of the film is equally impressive, with traditional Afghan music interwoven into the narrative. The music adds an additional layer of emotion to the movie and elevates the story further. The final scene, in particular, is incredibly moving and will leave the viewers feeling a deep sense of understanding and empathy towards the girls' struggles.

In conclusion, Afghan Dreams is a must-see movie for anyone interested in human experiences portrayed in movies. The film delicately explores the themes of tradition, gender roles, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams regardless of the obstacles. The movie's brilliance lies in its ability to capture the grittiness and grace of Afghanistan, offering a window into a world that few have seen. Without spoiling anything, the end of the movie leaves us with hope for the future, even in the bleakest circumstances.

Afghan Dreams is a 2015 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 26 minutes.