Feb 17 • 15:59 UTC 🇸🇪 Sweden Dagens Nyheter

Afghanistan's romcom queen: 'I refused to cut the kiss and the sex toy from the script'

Shahrbanoo Sadat discusses her directorial debut, Afghanistan's first romcom, which challenges the narrative surrounding Afghan men.

Shahrbanoo Sadat, a prominent female filmmaker, has created Afghanistan's first romantic comedy amidst the backdrop of the Taliban's return to power, showcasing a narrative that aims to counter the negative stereotypes often portrayed about Afghan men. In an interview at the Berlin Film Festival, Sadat expressed her commitment to retaining bold elements in her film, including a kiss and a sex toy, which she feels are crucial to the authenticity of the story. This film, titled 'No Good Men', blends themes of love and rebellion, reflecting the resilience of individuals in Afghanistan.

Sadat, who also plays the lead role in her film, shared her personal experiences during the chaotic evacuation in Kabul, illustrating the deep emotional and cultural context behind her work. She views her film as a love letter dedicated to all the good men she knows, highlighting those who stand against violence and oppression while still finding joy and connection in their lives. The film aims to be a counterpoint to the one-dimensional portrayal of Afghan men in media, striving instead to capture the complexity of their lives.

As Afghanistan grapples with renewed restrictions under Taliban rule, Sadat's film represents a bold artistic statement. By merging humor with poignant social commentary, she seeks to shed light on the diverse experiences of Afghan individuals, particularly women, and challenge prevailing narratives that often ignore their agency and humanity. The film not only seeks to entertain but also to provoke thought and discussion about the realities of life in contemporary Afghanistan, suggesting that joy and resilience can exist even in the face of adversity.

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