Afghanistan: Between Light & Darkness, is a new documentary by Dr. Penelope Price, who hopes to "give voice to an Afghanistan beyond the media image". It is a fascinating story of two heroic Afghans that are desperately trying to rehabilitate a country and culture that have "been abused for 30 years".
Yasin and Palwasha work precariously amidst conflict for PARSA (Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Support for Afghanistan), an American NGO, cultivating education and entrepreneurship in war ravaged Afghanistan.
Yasin, as executive director of PARSA, focuses on education. He sees education as the key to training leaders that will help the country transition to so some semblance of a functional society. Palwasha works on economic development. Both have a vision of a peaceful and enlightened Afghanistan. Meanwhile, war wages on around them.
Yasin's take on the war:
The first years the war was between the U.S. and the Communist regime. Then there was war between Mujahadeen. And now it is not war between Taliban and U.S. Government, it is war between U.S. government and those governments that don't want the U.S. to be in power. The other part of the world, they think it is Afghanistan's war, but it is not Afghanistan's war, it is other countries war in Afghanistan. [snip] The education in this country, it is not a healthy education system. The children ar thrown in an environment where they don't learn anything than being aggressive. When they are adult, they decide to be a part of this war parties. Doesn't matter if it is Taliban or Afghan police, just they are going to start fighting. They don't have mission, just they are fighting to have money.
The film isn't anti-war propaganda. It is about courageous individuals that envision a country that can not only survive war, but get beyond it and thrive. Their work is daunting, exhausting, and perilous, but little by little they are changing lives – educating teachers who in turn educate girls, helping women sew garments to sell on the military base, and teaching people to grow vegetables.
War is nonetheless omnipresent and affects all aspects of Afghan life. The film gives me no clarity on the mission in Afghanistan. On the one hand, the war seems pointless, on the other, the prospect of a Taliban controlled government is frightening. Palwasha explains:
The Taliban came to our office and they collect all the women. [snip] Why you put our (women) in the jail? And he said "women no work outside, you have to stay home". I told him I don't have a father and I have to work. He said "Allah will give you food and everything", and I told him no, this was wrong, and he said "don't talk with me. Just stop. I don't want to talk to you about these things."
With a backdrop of stunning imagery, Between Light & Darkness transcends war to tell an inspiring story. The country appears to be nothing but rock, but at the same time is extraordinarily beautiful. The 25 minute film is ostensibly a message of hope, but I couldn't shake a feeling of hopelessness when it was finished. Yasin and Palwasha paint a picture of an Afghan people that are weary. "The people are thirsty of peace", Yasin said.
Trailer (without narration)