Afganistan: A Film Perspective

The film version of the best-selling the book The Kite Runner was recently banned in Afganistan. The Kite Runner recounts the story of young childhood friends from differet sects in Afganistan and explores themes such as betrayal, ethinicity, and sexual predators. The only reason the head authority of imported films gave was that “Some of the film’s scenes will arouse sensitivity among some of our people.” Paramount Pictures only comment was that they never had the intention to market the film in Afganistan.
Censorship is always a hot-button issue, especially in America where freedom of expression is so highly valued. However, what interests me is the America interpretation of Afghan events. I wonder if Afganis would even recognize the values in this film. Truly, the story centers around a boy who atones for his mistakes in the past by hard working self-improvement. Self improvement through hard-work is certainly a virtue which many Americans appreciate. I wonder if Afghans might tell the story of this young boy differently. Clearly, there is much suffering in the history of Afganistan, yet reasons for this suffering are not given.
Perhaps if this film was shown in Afganistan, the people would only see commercialized America. Who knows why the film is being censored, but it would certainly be interesting to see the reaction. Maybe there is a fear of the people of Afganistan gaining another perspective on their situation. While Americans might not see the entire story through this film, it certainly will show many how it is that Americans see the conflict in this tragedy ridden country.