Watch Afghanistan: My Return to the Valley of Death

Afghanistan: My Return to the Valley of Death is a documentary film from 2015 that follows journalist Bozorgmehr Sharafedin as he returns to Afghanistan, the country where he was born and raised, to report on the ongoing conflict and the impact it has on the people who live there. The film is a personal journey for Sharafedin as he reconnects with his past and reflects on his identity as an Afghan who has spent most of his life outside of his homeland. He travels to the province of Helmand, known as the "Valley of Death" due to the intensity of the fighting between the Taliban and the Afghan government and their international allies.

Throughout the documentary, Sharafedin speaks with a variety of people affected by the conflict, including soldiers from different countries, local officials, aid workers, and ordinary citizens. He witnesses the aftermath of a suicide bombing, talks with farmers struggling to make a living in the midst of the violence, and sees first-hand the consequences of the war on children living in a Kabul orphanage.

The film presents a nuanced view of the conflict in Afghanistan, showing the complexity of the situation and the different perspectives of those involved. It also highlights the resilience and courage of the Afghan people in the face of tremendous adversity.

One of the strengths of Afghanistan: My Return to the Valley of Death is the way it weaves together Sharafedin's personal story with the larger political and social issues at play. His reflections on his own experience of growing up in Afghanistan and then moving to England as a child add depth and emotion to the film, while also providing a valuable perspective on the country's history and culture.

The film is also visually striking, with beautiful shots of the Afghan landscape and intimate, up-close footage of the people Sharafedin meets. The soundtrack, featuring traditional Afghan music as well as original compositions by composer Fabrizio Tentoni, adds to the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Afghanistan: My Return to the Valley of Death is a powerful and insightful documentary that sheds light on a complex and often overlooked conflict. It is a personal and poignant reflection on the human cost of war, as well as a tribute to the resilience and courage of the people of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: My Return to the Valley of Death is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.