Combining verité footage, interviews and rare archival material, VIEW FROM A GRAIN OF SAND is a harrowing, thought-provoking, yet intimate portrait of Afghan women’s history over the last 30 years – from the rule of King Zahir Shah in the 1960’s to the current Hamid Karzai government. Told through the eyes of three Afghan women – a doctor, a teacher and women’s rights activist -this documentary tells the story of how war, international interference and the rise of political Islam has stripped Afghan women of rights and freedom. Together with rarely seen archival footage, their powerful stories provide illuminating context for Afghanistan’s current situation and the ongoing battle women face to gain even basic human rights.
Shot over a four-year period in the sprawling refugee camps of north-western Pakistan, and in the war-torn city of Kabul, the documentary constructs a harrowing, though-provoking, yet intimate portrait of the plight of Afghan women over the last 30 years. The women are powerfully moving as they re-define strength and resilience in the face of ongoing struggle and give a full and visceral picture of a still divided and brutalized nation. As the world turns its back yet again towards Afghanistan and the Taliban are again back in power, remembering and hearing the voices of women most affected is critical if there is to be any hope for Afghan’s future.
Produced by Meena Nanji and Amie Williams
Directed by Meena Nanji
Camera: Ann Kaneko
