Kabul, Between Prayers (Kabul, Between Prayers)

Aboozar Amini

A devoted soldier of the Taliban’s ideology that has shaped his destiny since birth, Samim (23), struggles between their alluring promises of martyrdom, and the mundanity of his daily existence as a husband and farmer. His younger brother Rafi (14) idolizes Samim, as well as the Taliban’s promises: for both of them, this is the only vision of the world they have ever known. The film avoids portraying a faceless Taliban figure, focusing instead on the individual behind the ideology. Moving beyond clichés and familiar narratives about Afghanistan, it resists exoticism and political simplification. By closely observing the protagonist’s daily life, it becomes a mirror, revealing his humanity without endorsing his beliefs. It offers a rare, intimate glimpse into an inner world shaped by ideology and circumstance, confronting rather than sympathizing.

the Netherlands, Belgium 2025, '99

DIRECTOR: Aboozar Amini

SCENARIO: Aboozar Amini, Jia Zhao

CAMERA: Anonymous

MONTAGE: Annelotte Medema, Cătălin Cristuțiu, Neel Cockx

PRODUCTION: Silk Road Film Salon, Clin d'oeil films

FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

Asian American IFF (2025): Excellence in Short Filmmaking, Audience Award

Aboozar Amini

Aboozar Amini (1985, Afghanistan) moved to the Netherlands after the Taliban destroyed the Buddha statues in his hometown. He completed high school there, earned a BA from the Rietveld Art Academy in Amsterdam, and an MA in directing at the London Film School. He later returned to Kabul and founded KINOKABUL to support young Afghan filmmakers. There, he produced his first documentary Kabul, City in the Wind and collaborated on films that reflected Afghan life with universal appeal. However, he was forced to flee again after the Taliban’s return. Amini’s work is deeply influenced by his cultural background, often blending local stories with global themes. His films have gained international recognition, including awards for KabulTehranKabul (2010) and Angelus Novus (2015). His short film Best Day Ever premiered at Cannes in 2018, and Kabul, City in the Wind won major awards at IDFA and CPH:DOX.