Cinema is one of the seven arts that has many fans in Afghanistan and all over the world. But according to the Afghan cinematographers, did not achieve the goals it should reach at any time, and it is not in a very favourable condition even now.
Farid Azim, head of the cinematographers’ union, says that most active cinematographers left Afghanistan.
“Between 250 and 300 cinematographers and their families left Afghanistan, and cinematographers are still trying to get out of the country.”
Azim added that if the Islamic Emirate pays attention to the situation of cinematographers, this art may be revived.
Islamic Emirate’s conduct with cinema
Meanwhile, it was supposed that with the establishment of the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, the gates of cinemas will be closed, but contrary, the Islamic Emirate allowed cinematographers to continue their activities within the Islamic framework.
Since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate, 9 films, one Afghan series independently and one Afghan series with the help of Iran have been made. A festival called “New Vision” was also held and two women win the first and second positions in the best writer film section of the festival.
Currently, one governmental cinema and three private cinemas are active in Kabul and they show Afghan cinema productions.
Abdul Matin Qaneh, the Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman, says that the Islamic Emirate has no problem with cinema activities, and cinematographers can continue their activities by observing Islamic principles.
Referring to the New Vision Festival, he said: “At the end of last year, nearly 40 to 50 films were shown. The Ministry of Culture and Afghan Film are obliged to realize that we can revive the nation’s culture through cinema and reflect the facts, and there is no problem.”
Meanwhile, Mawlawi Jawid Afghan, the head of Afghan Film, says that the policy of the Islamic Emirate regarding cinema is clear and if the activities of cinematographers are not in conflict with Islamic and Afghan laws, there is no obstacle for them.
“Filmmakers can continue their activities if their activities are not in conflict with the values of Islam, Afghan culture and traditions.”
He added that there is no problem in publishing films and serials that show the real image of Afghanistan to the world, and there will be more cooperation with filmmakers too.
Restrictions or observance of principles?
But cinematographers are not satisfied with the situation, because according to them, women are not allowed to work normally and film production without the presence of women is not very successful.
Arif Noori, filmmaker and head of the Young Cinematographers Association, says that this issue is considered a serious problem in the field of filmmaking.
“We are not allowed to work with women indoors, and we are not allowed outdoor either, and this is a very serious problem.”
Also, Farid Azim, head of the cinematographers’ union, confirms this issue and says: “We do not have a movie production in which women normally play roles. The female cinematographers who are present in Afghanistan are not in a good mental condition.”
However, Abdul Matin Qaneh says that there is no restriction on women’s activities, just the framework of Islamic rules.
“What is said to be a restriction on cinema is not a restriction, but rather a religious ruling, and no one has the right to interfere with it. Women can work in cinema by observing Sharia issues, and this issue is a necessity.”
Meanwhile, women have to cover their faces and use masks to appear in television shows.
The Money-making and expensive job
In other countries of the world, the cinema industry is known as a money-making industry, and the elements and producers of the movie are among the millionaires.
However, it is not okay in Afghanistan, and cinematographers do not earn much despite spending a huge amount of money on making movies.
Arezo Vedah is one of the female cinematographers. For nearly 15 years, she has acted as an actor in movies, serials, and allegorical shows, but in addition to losing her job, she has been selling stationery on the streets for making money and now she is needy to a piece of bread.
“Cinema was my job and it was lost. And right now I am sick and unable to work. I have no complaints from anyone.”
Shapoor Sedaqat, one of the other actors in the cinema, also says that economic problems are the basic problems of cinematographers. “In the past, filmmakers used to get movies and series production projects from institutions, but now filmmakers are struggling with economic problems.”
Finally, he asks the attention of domestic and foreign institutions, especially the Islamic Emirate to the cinema and added that by paying attention to cinematographers, the situation will improve and cinema will become active again.
Translated by: Sadaf Yarmal
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