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Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan 2008

60 min📅 2008-10-11

Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Afghan music with *Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan* (2008), a compelling documentary directed by Simon Broughton.

Director: Simon Broughton

Cast

Aziz Ghaznawi
Himself - Head of Music Radio & TV Afghanistan
Mashinai
Himself - Musician
Khaled Arman
Himself - Ensemble Kabul
Shiraz Siddiqi
Himself - Kabul Resident
Naqib Ahmad
Himself - Former Mujahidden
Naghma
Herself - Singer
Walayad Khan
Himself - Rubab Maker
Amir Jan
Himself - Musician
Aziza Feroz Afghan
Herself - Singer
Mike Wooldridge
Narrator (voice)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan (2008) about?

This documentary explores how Afghan musicians navigated decades of war and oppression, from the Soviet invasion to Taliban rule. It highlights their struggles to practice their art under extreme restrictions, featuring both those who embraced music as a central part of their lives and those who rejected it on religious grounds.

Who directed Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan?

The film was directed by Simon Broughton, whose work focuses on global music and cultural stories.

Who stars in Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan?

Key figures in the documentary include musicians like Aziz Ghaznawi, Mashinai, Khaled Arman, Shiraz Siddiqi, and Naghma.

Is Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan (2008) worth watching?

As a 60-minute music documentary, it offers a rare and moving look at Afghanistan's cultural resilience. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its themes of defiance and tradition make it a compelling watch for music and history enthusiasts alike.

How long is Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan?

The film runs for 60 minutes.

About Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan (2008) — How Music Fought Back Against Oppression

Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Afghan music with *Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan* (2008), a compelling documentary directed by Simon Broughton. This gripping film sheds light on the struggles of musicians across more than two decades of Afghanistan's turbulent history, from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to the oppressive regimes that followed. Through intimate interviews with musicians both within Afghanistan and in exile, the documentary captures the resilience of artists who defied restrictions to keep their traditions alive. The film contrasts differing perspectives, featuring voices from devout believers who reject music and those who view it as a vital expression of faith and identity.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn nation, *Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan* (2008) paints a poignant picture of survival and cultural preservation. With stunning visuals and evocative storytelling, director Simon Broughton explores how music has been both a forbidden luxury and a lifeline for Afghans. The documentary features a diverse cast of musicians, including Aziz Ghaznawi and Naghma, whose personal journeys add depth and emotion to the narrative.