Three courageous performers fight for women’s rights against the backdrop of ‘Afghan Star’ -Afghanistan’s mega-successful version of American Idol. Selected Hot Docs 2022.

Kabul 2019. Singers Sadiqa Madadgar (22) and Zahra Elham (18), both former refugees, are rehearsing their numbers for the hit TV show ‘Afghan Star’. Despite the disapproval of their families and communities, they are determined to compete. The sole female on the jury, Aryana Sayeed, paved the way for contemporary female singers in her homeland and became a controversial celebrity. But by the time Zahra, Aryana’s protegee, emerges as the show’s favourite, American troops are withdrawing, and the Taliban are poised to takeover. As the threat to their way of life accelerates, escape seems to be the only option if the three women want to keep their dreams alive.

‘It is appalling to see the cycle of oppression and misogyny of Taliban rule repeating itself after 20 years. Through this film, I intend to show the emotional gravity of what it means to have gained so much, only to lose it almost overnight.’– director, Fazila Amiri.