Cinema of Afghanistan

Cinema entered Afghanistan at the beginning of the 20th century. The political changes of Afghanistan have not allowed the cinema of the country to grow over the years. However, numerous Pashto and Dari films have been made both inside and outside Afghanistan throughout the 20th century. The cinema of Afghanistan entered a new phase in 2001.

Emir Habibullah Khan (reigned 1901–1919) introduced film to Afghanistan, but in the royal court only. In 1923-24, the first projector - "magic box" or "mageek lantan" (magic lantern) - showed the first silent film in Paghman to the public. The first Afghan film, "Love and Friendship", was produced in 1946.

When the fledgling Afghan Film was opened in 1968 it produced documentaries and news films highlighting the official meetings and conferences of the government. All these films were shown in cinemas before feature films, which were usually from India. The first feature film made in Kabul by Afghan Film using Afghan artists was 'Like Eagles' starring Zahir Waida and a young girl named Najia. Soon after this Afghan Film made a three-part film with the collective title 'Ages', which comprised 'Smugglers', 'Suitors' and 'Friday Night'. Two other films from the same era are 'Village Tunes' and 'Difficult Days'. All of these films were shot in black and white. Film artists of this era included Khan Aqa Soroor, Rafeeq Saadiq, Azizullah Hadaf, Mashal Honaryar and Parvin Sanatgar.

The first color films produced by Afghan Film in the late 1960s were 'Run Away' (Faraar), 'Love Epic' (Hamaasa e Ishg), 'Saboor Soldier'(Saboor Sarbaaz), 'Ash' (Khakestar), 'Last Wishes' (Akharin Arezo) and 'Migrating Birds' (Paranda Mohajer). These films, although not as technically proficient as those from abroad, struck a chord with Afghans because they mirrored their life. However, cinema was still seen only in the larger centres.

During the late 1960s and 1970s Soviet aid included cultural training and scholarships were offered to students interested in studying film. However, since Afghanistan had no film academy, future filmmakers had to apprentice on the job. The civil wars of the 1990s were not conducive to creative work and many people working in the Afghan film industry escaped to Iran or Pakistan, where they were able to make videos for NGOs.

When the Taliban took power on 1996 in Kabul, cinemas were attacked and many films were burnt. The Taliban forbade the viewing of television and films and cinemas were closed, either becoming tea shops or restaurants or falling into a state of disrepair.

Afghan Film also known as Afghan Film Organization (AFO) is Afghanistan's state-run film company. It was established in 1968 and the president is Latif Ahmadi.

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