Midnight Traveler is the ultimate first hand account of a family fleeing across Western Asia and Eastern Europe from death threats received in their home country Afghanistan. Because the filmmaker has made movies deemed immoral by the Taliban, he and his families safety is in danger. After having requests for asylum denied by Western countries, the Fazili family are forced to try their luck at migrating to the safety of Europe. However, little do they know that the the troubles and prejudices will increase when they hit Europe. Through the cell phone footage of their journey, you’ll get a idea for what it feels like to no longer have a home and to be criminalized for trying to escape death. If you’re a citizen of a country whose citizens don’t live in fear, consider yourself lucky, and spare a thought and 88 minutes to join the Fazili family in their quest for a normal life.
“This isn’t Hollywood, this isn’t Bollywood, this is Nothingwood, because there’s no money”. – Salim Shaheen
Salim Shaheen is Afghanistan’s biggest film star. He’s Afghanistan’s working class hero (like Cantiflas or Charlie Chaplin) and action film star (like Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger). It’s time for you to get to know him!
Why Watch Prince of Nothingwood?
To meet Afghanistan’s biggest film star
For a positive alternative to the negative war dominated footage of Afghanistan you’ll usually see
Salim Shaheen’s story mirrors the story of Afghani cinema. There should be no role for him or for film within the strict Afghani customs. Back when he was a kid, he was beaten by his mother and brothers when they caught him singing and dancing on film. He was also beaten when he was caught sneaking off to the cinema to see some of the Bollywood hits. He was beaten up whenever he got near to film! Simply put, dancing, singing, and acting were all taboo; it just doesn’t fit in strict Afghani tradition.
However, even though Salim Shaheen’s films are a triumph for creativity, you’ll notice there aren’t any women on camera. The director, Sonia Kronlund, is the only woman you’ll see in the whole film. That’s because she’s treated like a man because she isn’t from there. In contrast, Sonia’s female translator is always hidden off camera. According to Sonia, she refused to say anything on camera. As there are no actresses, some of the men have to dress up as women. Despite the apparently strict society, this is considered acceptable, perhaps because homosexuality is inconceivable.
If you’ve been wanting to go to Afghanistan but are worried about the security, this is the perfect film to see. You’ll meet the people, travel across the country (to Bamyan), hear the music, and see the food.
Conclusion
All in all The Prince of Nothingwood is a rare opportunity to see life in Afghanistan, and an equally rare opportunity to see a positive story from Afghanistan. Salim Shaheen’s story is a triumph for creativity in a society where access to cinematic resources is pretty much non-existent.
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