Creative Despite War: A Film on Afghanistan's Most Resilient Artists

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Creative Despite War follows the life and creative process of four young artists and artistic groups. From the urban graffiti treatments of Shamsia Hassani to the rhythms of District Unknown, they become acquainted with the inspiring imaginations of the culture creators of Kabul. Now, they plan to witness the culmination of many years of hard work as they prepare to share their vision at the Sound Central Asia’s Modern Music Festival (Kabul’s first alternative Youth Arts and Music Festival) this May.

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By honoring remarkable Afghan artists, the film dignifies an entire community marked by a single story of catastrophe. Through sharing the many stories of the artists encountered in this film, the filmmakers are able to identify and focus on the shared humanity. The whole production until now has been financed by Monoduo Films and with the kind support of family and friends. Now, they need support more than ever to see their vision through its final phase. Beyond filming, they need to also implement the post-production (consisting of editing, color correction and final sound mixing). Additional funding beyond the $30,000 will enable them to pay for marketing, distribution, and other strategic mechanisms that will allow the film to reach a much broader audience.

THE FILM

Despite thirty years of conflict, and eleven years of military occupation; despite violence, poverty, fundamentalism and war, there is a blossoming artistic movement in Afghanistan that affirms the resilience of the human spirit. Creative Despite War follows four of the most innovative young Afghan artists in their struggle to create and show their artwork, in a country where personal expression can often be life threatening.

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The work of these artists is slowly taking over the cities: from paintings on Kabul’s semi-destroyed walls to heavy metal underground concerts. The film takes us on a journey into Afghanistan’s emerging contemporary artistic movement and into the intimate world of these artists, showing their role in shaping a revitalized Afghan society, and affirming the power of creative expression.

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Avoiding the images that we are used to seeing in mass media, our intention is to create a natural and beautiful portrait of the city and its characters in contrast with the usual sensationalist and brutal images.

Through Creative Despite War, we want to give a voice to the exciting new artistic movement in Afghanistan. With us, you will discover a side of the country that the world has never seen before. Help us share their message and art with the world by supporting our Kickstarter project.

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