Afghanistan

'My Childhood, My Country - 20 Years In Afghanistan': Film Follows Boy's Life Over Two Decades

A film following the life of a boy in Afghanistan over two decades is to premiere on Monday night.

'My Childhood, My Country – 20 Years in Afghanistan' follows Mir Hussain from his days as a seven-year-old in 2002 to the young man living in Kabul today.

The film is directed by Phil Grabsky and Shoaib Sharifi.

Mr Grabsky ventured to Afghanistan in 2002 to make a film of life in a rural province through Afghan eyes.

He was the first foreign filmmaker to reach Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks and the overthrow of the Taliban.

Director Phil Grabsky Talking about film My Childhood My Country 05092021 CREDIT BFBS.jpg
Director Phil Grabsky talking about his film 'My Childhood My Country – 20 Years in Afghanistan'.

He said: "In my very first tape, this cheeky little boy looks right down the camera. He was showing as much interest in me as I was showing in the people around him.

"Three or four days into the shoot, I thought: Of course, he's the story - what's going to happen to Afghanistan?

"I can filter in the past - the Russians, the mujahedin - but actually my film is about what is going to happen, what impact will there be for this US-led NATO coalition?

"What will become of him?"

Mr Grabsky added: "Just watch this kid navigate his way through 20 years in an extraordinary set of circumstances and extraordinary country.

"And come away with a greater understanding of the humanity, which obviously exists in Afghanistan, but is easy to ignore because it's a long way away."

Mir remains in Kabul and his story will be told in 'My Childhood, My Country – 20 Years in Afghanistan' throughout September on ITV and ITV Hub.

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