Afghan women are suffering terribly under the rule of the Taliban. But, as is clear in Zainab Entezar’s exhilarating documentary, a small group is fighting back – despite of harsh repercussions. The film, shot by some of these women, takes you right into the heart of resistance.
After the withdrawal of the American and allied armies in 2021, and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government, life became very bleak for women, who before had experienced a relatively large amount of freedom. The anti-female orientation of the Taliban now reduces them to mere birth givers, child raisers and housekeepers, hidden behind doors and under burkas.
The first scene of the film paints a grim picture of oppression, as two women at the table speak into the camera, addressing filmmaker Zainab Entezar. They describe how they are afraid of being reported by neighbours because of the presence of the camera. And how they hold their breath when there are footsteps at the front door.
In this atmosphere of fear, Rashmin and Nastaran belong to a group of incredibly brave young women who no longer want to be silenced by the terror of the Taliban. This small group is protesting on the streets whenever they can, and launching larger demonstrations while they are out.
Their main objective is to demonstrate to the global community, via social media, that the Taliban must not be recognised as a legitimate government. With their phones and small cameras they capture the protests and the often very aggressive response of the Taliban from the inside. We can hear shooting, shouting, and we are with the women as they run through the streets, seeking a place to hide.
It is empowering to watch these young women overcome their fears everyday as they make plans for new rallies, trying to persuade friends and families to join the fight. This is obviously not an easy task as we watch Rashmin argue with her family. They think she’s putting herself and her surroundings in jeopardy by her actions – something she obviously struggles with as she hears news of dear ones being arrested and tortured. She and her fellow protesters are aware of their fate should they fall into the hands of the Taliban, but they’d rather die than be muzzled. From their mouths, it sounds almost matter of fact, which makes it even more impressive.
Watching Shot the Voice of Freedom is not a cinematographic experience, nor does it have to be. It is impossible to get any closer to the struggle of these women, as we sit with them in their houses, making plans and jokes, having whispered telephone conversations, chanting slogans out on the streets, facing the soldiers in front of them, or hiding in the back of a corner shop, panting and crying out of fear and frustration.
As the film continues, the number of women in the group diminishes, while the pressure on Rashmin to give up increases, both from her family and the Taliban, who are actively searching for the trouble-makers. Throughout all of this, there is a deafening and disheartening silence from the international community. One can only hope this remarkable, heartfelt cry for freedom will get the attention it deserves.
2024, Afghanistan, 70 minutes
Director Zainab Entezar
Producer Zainab Entezar
Editor Mohammad Samiepour
Camera Zainab Entezar
Sound Design Mehrdad Jelokhani
Music Barzin Yousefian
