First TV drama hits screens in postwar Afghanistan

KABUL－For the first time since the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan and the evacuation of US-led forces, a television drama made its debut on screen as a sign of new development of the war-torn country's entertainment industry.

The screening has raised hope among filmmakers that the film industry could be developed under the Taliban-led administration.

"So far, we have faced no problem in shooting and preparing the serial, and I am hopeful that the situation would further improve to work better in the field," an actor said.

Surkh Sali, or Red Year, tells the love story of three personalities in contemporary Afghanistan, with its teaser shown on cinema screens on the western edge of the capital Kabul a couple of days ago.

In a ceremony attended by 15 cast members, onlookers lauded the TV drama, hoping that the television serial could be broadcast on local television channels and miniscreens.

Satayesh Atae, who attended the ceremony, said she believes that the permission granted to shoot the TV serial is a step toward developing cinema culture in the country.

Like other national institutions, Afghanistan's cinema and film industry have been badly damaged due to more than four decades of war.

Although there are a handful of cinemas in Afghan cities including Kabul, there were no screenings of local or foreign films, with television channels usually broadcasting Turkish and Iranian television serials.

Zabihullah Mujahid, deputy minister of information and culture of the Taliban-led caretaker government, has urged filmmakers to produce films based on values of Islamic teaching and Afghan culture.

Mujahid made the remarks on Sunday at the screening of the first two documentaries made by Afghan filmmakers. The documentaries were produced by state-run film company Afghan Film.

"Cinema and screening films have a significant role in improving society, reconstruction and its introduction," said actor Hamayon Sakhani.

He also said cinemas in Afghanistan have been badly damaged and its rehabilitation lacks the much-needed investment that society needs.

Xinhua