Educational Media Reviews Online

Once the foremost tourist destination in Afghanistan, the Buddhas of Bamiyan were two of the world’s largest stone statues; in March 2001, the Taliban destroyed these statues as part of an effort to rid the country of pre-Islamic idolatrous symbols. The repression and economic destruction brought to the citizens of Bamiyan is revealed through Mir, an eight-year-old boy and his family. Refugees from Dara-e-Soof, Mir’s family hoped to take advantage of the tourist industry in Bamiyan. Instead they were forced to live in the caves alongside the mountain where the Buddha statues once stood. In each section of the documentary; summer, winter, and spring the audience is exposed to the social, cultural, and psychological impact twenty years of conflict has on a civilian population. Abdul and Mirwari, Mir’s parents, describe their desire for a better life for Mir, and the life they knew before the continual conflicts in Afghanistan. Their hope is to provide Mir with food, medicine, toys, and an education. During the winter the bleak situation of the family is shown as they huddle together at night to conserve heat. It is not until the spring that the promise of a better life begins to appear; Abdul and Khoshdel, Mir’s brother-in-law, find work at a bakery and the Hussain family can now afford food and medicine. Khoshdel discusses his plans to expand his family in the near future. Mir is in school with the hope of becoming a teacher. Throughout the film, even as he is forced to live in the dismal conditions of an Afghan refugee, Mir always shows the youthful exuberance of a child.

Even though the film shows minimal American military presence, the consensus is the United States has improved conditions in Afghanistan. The image of the positive impact brought by the American military is balanced by western radio newscasts that are included throughout the story. In addition to balancing the views of hope and the sense of security expressed by Khoshdel the radio newscasts place the story of Mir and his family into the context of world events.

Both the sound and video quality are excellent. The English subtitles are easy to read and are never obscured by the background. The selection of music to accompany the picturesque Afghan country adds nicely to the story. This documentary would make a great addition to courses on Afghanistan, the Taliban, or the impact of conflict on civilians. The only reservation to assigning a highly recommended rating is the slow pace of the film. This might be the only negative aspect of viewing this film as part of a class.

Awards

• Gold Hugo in Special Achievement: Cinematography, The Chicago International Film Festival
• Grand Jury Award, DC Independent Film Festival
• Honorable Mention in Emerging Artist, Full Frame
• Runner-up Audience Award, One World, Prague
• Special Award, Santa Barbara Film Festival

  Follow Mir as he grows into a young man in The Boy Mir: Ten Years in Afghanistan (Seventh Art, 2012)