The Berlinale, Germany's largest film festival, kicked off with a film that tells the story of the tumultuous events occurring in Kabul during the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The film emphasizes the desperation of countless Afghans attempting to escape the regime, showcasing crowded scenes at Kabul's airport where people crowded around barriers while German soldiers managed the evacuation process. The festival's choice of opening film, titled 'Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan,' reflects a broader theme of hope amidst adversity, despite criticisms regarding the overall quality of this year's selections.

As the story unfolds, viewers are taken through a powerful narrative that paints a vivid picture of the fear and confusion that engulfed the Afghan capital during those fateful days in 2021. The film serves not only as a dramatization of real events but also as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many individuals in Afghanistan even after the initial chaos subsided. It captures the tension between the chaos outside and the structured evacuation efforts by international forces, drawing attention to the human stories that often get overshadowed by geopolitical narratives.

While the Berlinale's programming has faced criticism for prioritizing hope over quality in its films, the choice of the opening movie points to a keen awareness of current affairs and attempts to engage with pressing global issues. This film, and the festival itself, are positioned as platforms for dialogue and reflection on international crises, capturing the complex interplay between art and activism, especially when it comes to the stories of marginalized communities such as those in Afghanistan.