Educational Media Reviews Online

And Still I Sing weaves together the stories of three women who participate in the Afghan singing competition television show, “Afghan Star” with Afghanistan’s recent history to highlight how women become agents of change, reshaping narratives of history, war, and culture.

Aryana Sayeed is one of these agents of change. A singer and women’s rights activist, Sayeed and her family fled Afghanistan during its Civil War in the 1990s. Sayeed’s fashion choices, both within and outside of Afghanistan, provoke reactions, ranging from death threats to inspiring imitations of her outfit sold in bazaars after she wears them on T.V.

Two other women working for change are Sadiqa Madadgar and Zahra Elham. They were both raised in Pakistan by families who fled Afghanistan. They have returned to their homeland and now compete on “Afghan Star.” It is here where Madagar and Elham’s experiences intersect with that of Sayeed, who serves as one of the judges. Despite their different backgrounds and generations, these women share common journeys of having won over fans, including men, while facing severe criticism. In Afghanistan at the time of the documentary’s filming, this criticism includes death threats and the possibility of suicide bombings at “Afghan Star” performances.

The stories of Aryana Sayeed, Sadiqa Madadgar, and Zahra Elham do not end with “Afghan Star,” nor does the documentary. Although war continues to affect these women And Still I Sing leaves viewers with an unfinished story and a question: can women create a world where they can be performers and have the potential to change lives?

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