Watch RocKabul

RocKabul, a documentary film from 2018, takes viewers on a journey into the thriving but underground music scene of Kabul, Afghanistan. Directed by Australian photographer and journalist Travis Beard, the film explores the challenges and dangers faced by young Afghans who are passionate about music and determined to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles in their way.

Beard himself is a fascinating figure, having moved to Kabul in 2006 in search of adventure and creative inspiration. He quickly became involved with the local music scene, which was small but vibrant, and began to document the lives and struggles of the talented musicians he met. RocKabul is a culmination of his years of work, and it is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the Afghan people.

The film opens with Beard introducing us to some of the key players in the Kabul music scene. There's Pedram Foushanji, a young drummer who dreams of starting a heavy metal band despite the fact that such music is considered blasphemous under Islamic law. There's Sound Central, a music collective and festival that Beard helped to start in 2010, which brings together musicians from all over the region to share their music and stories. And there are the various local bands and musicians, who share their experiences of living in a country where music is often seen as a subversive activity.

One of the most striking things about RocKabul is the way it captures the juxtaposition of hope and despair that is so prevalent in Afghanistan. On the one hand, we see these talented and determined musicians pouring their hearts out on stage, singing songs about love and peace and freedom. On the other hand, we see the brutal realities of life in Kabul - the bombings, the checkpoints, the fear and uncertainty that hangs over everything.

Throughout the film, Beard and his team deftly weave together footage of bands performing, interviews with musicians and fans, and snippets of daily life in Kabul. We see Pedram and his friends practicing in a dingy basement, surrounded by posters of their metal heroes. We see the members of White Page, an all-female rock band, talking about the challenges they face as women in a male-dominated society. We see the excitement and energy of the Sound Central festival, as musicians from all over the region come together to celebrate their common love of music.

But we also see the dangers that these musicians face. One of the most poignant moments of the film comes when Beard interviews Abasin Thomas, a young guitarist who was killed in a suicide bombing in 2014. Thomas speaks passionately about his hopes for the future, about how he wants to use his music to bring people together and spread a message of hope. It's heartbreaking to know that he never got the chance to realize his dreams.

Despite the inherent risks of being a musician in Kabul, however, the film does not dwell on the negative. Rather, it celebrates the courage and resilience of these young people, who refuse to be silenced or intimidated by the forces that would seek to destroy their art. RocKabul is a testament to the power of music to transcend language, culture, and even war, and to unite people in a common expression of their humanity.

In summary, RocKabul is a fascinating and deeply moving film that sheds light on a side of Afghan culture that is all too often overlooked. It is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together, and of the courage of those who refuse to let their voices be silenced. Whether you're a music lover or simply interested in learning more about life in Afghanistan, this film is well worth your time.

RocKabul is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.