Osama

Afghanistan 2003, 82 minutes
Dir. Siddiq Barmak
In Pashtu with English subtitles
Rating: [M]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Drama / Girl-centric

Topics: Religion, Politics.

Feat. Marina Golbahari

Aroview: Though nothing to do with a certain infamous terrorist, this first Afghani film made since the rise and fall of the Taliban also happens to be a small masterpiece that expresses a quiet yet impassioned outrage about the wounds left by that barbaric regime.

Under the harshly patriarchal rule of the Taliban, a teenage girl risks all by masquerading as a boy (calling herself 'Osama') in order to support her family. Its grim tale of injustice is bravely and elegantly told, with several scenes and an overall impression that will penetrate your emotional defences.

NZ International Film Festival 2003