
Afghan Star
Seen it?2008 | 87 min | Documentary, Music
Why it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for the curious. If you loved The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years or 20 Feet from Stardom, start here.
- The mood
- Eye-opening.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 27 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
This documentary on the effect the talent competition "Afghan Star" has on the incredibly diverse inhabitants of Afghanistan affords a glimpse into a country rarely seen. Contestants risk their lives to appear on the television show that is a raging success with the public and also monitored closely by the government.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
2 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$102K worldwide; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 5K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Katy Perry: Part of MeWeeknight WatchAnother documentary, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring YearsFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed documentary that fewer people know today.
Justin Bieber's BelieveWeeknight WatchAnother documentary, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
20 Feet from StardomSaturday SpecialAnother documentary that's easy to miss.
Deliver Us from EvilSunday Safe BetAnother documentary, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Havana Marking
- Habib AmiriHimself
- Setara HussainzadaHerself
- Rafi NaabzadaHimself
- Lima SaharHerself (as Lema Sahar)