Saving Mes Aynak 2015
Distributed by Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Directed by Brent E. Huffman
DVD, color, 58 min.
High School - General Adult
Afghanistan, Archaeology, Art, Culture, Economics, Government, History, Middle East Studies, Preservation, War
Date Entered: 05/01/2017
Reviewed by Sandy Costanza D’Youville College, Buffalo, NYThis is an amazing film filled with history, education, and artwork. It is reminiscent of the game show Beat the Clock where a specific task must be performed before the time runs out. The big difference is Mes Aynak is not a game. It is an enormous archeological dig-site in Afghanistan where priceless artifacts defining Afghan history as well as Buddhism are being found daily. Sadly it is also the site of a priceless copper supply which China desperately wants to mine. Uncovering the beauty of Afghan history, fighting for the preservation of that history, negotiating with government officials as well as the Taliban is a daunting task that Qadir Temori an Afghan archaeologist has chosen to take on. The artifacts and photography are breathtaking and this film is an opportunity to educate and support this endeavor before the mountain and all it contains is destroyed.
Awards
- Winner, Silver Plaque, 2016 Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards
- Grand Jury Prize, 2016 International Archaeological Film Festival of the Bidasoa
- IDFA Honorary Award, 2015 The International Academic Forum Documentary Film Award
- Abu Rayhan Biruni Award, 2015 Ahvaz International Science Film Festival
- Grand Prize and Audience Favorite Film Award, 2015 Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival
- Best Documentary, 2015 CinemAmbiente Environmental Film Festival
- Best Film and Best Public Education Value, 2015 The Archaeology Channel International Film & Video Festival