O Alfabeto Afegão

This was shown as part of the National Film Festival here in Denmark and it was one of the best. It is not clear to me whether all the scenes are "real" or whether any of it is following a written plot. While I'd be interested to know, I don't think my view would be changed with regard to its validity.

The subject is the attempts to initiate some education for Afghan refugee children in eastern Iran. It gives an idea of what life is like for these people. There are many awkward moments, as you would expect for children encountering some sort of schooling for the first time in their lives. Some of the boys have already had religious schooling in the mosque, but most of the Afghan boys are too poor to join in, so have had to stand away and learn what they can from a distance.

The later part of the film concentrates more on the girls class, and is very intense and moving. I hope all these children may learn enough to help their societies to overcome the war and corruption which has deprived them of such basic rights.

There were many new Arab films in the Danish festival, all those I saw were an education for me. Do try to see these films to get a better idea of the lives of real people and to learn how their culture works.