Mohabat

synopsis

Following his father’s death in a drone strike, twelve-year-old Mohabat is left without parental care, along with his two older brothers. His father is regarded by those around him as a martyr, and their deep faith in God and adherence to the Qur’an help the boys to accept this painful loss as part of God’s will. Mohabat is taken to a city orphanage, where it becomes clear that his experience is not unique – many of the children there have lost their parents and other loved ones as a result of the war. Nevertheless, friendships form among the boys and, together, they create at least a temporary sense of security. Following a mental breakdown, Mohabat returns to his native mountain village, where he attends school, helps with the harvest and visits his brother Aja. When his older brother and closest protector, Mawladdin, leaves for Europe via Iran, the increasingly lonely Mohabat must gradually learn to rely on himself. His gentle voiceover accompanies a sensitive portrait of premature adulthood, in which personal suffering intertwines with the wider social consequences of a long-standing conflict. Meanwhile, the sweeping images of the monumental Afghan mountains and colourful urban landscapes create a striking contrast to the ever-present traces of war.

“I want to go to Heaven. Because Heaven must be a nice place.”

biography

In his work, American documentary filmmaker James Longley (1972) focuses on the lives of civilians during armed conflicts. His film Iraq in Fragments (2006) won awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival, and, together with the film Sari’s Mother (2006), also received Oscar nominations.

film details

director:	James Longley
producer:	Mohammad Sharif Hotak, James Longley, Alex Gibney
photography:	James Longley
editing:	Waltteri Vanhanen, James Longley
music:	James Longley
sound:	Zach Seivers

contact

Erin Edeiken / Jigsaw Productions
mohabat_film@jigsawprods.com