Kabul, Between Prayers

A rare insight into the life as a Taliban soldier.

The human rights situation in Afghanistan has only worsened since the Taliban took control in 2021. In this fascinating and disturbing documentary, we follow Taliban soldier Samim and his immediate family; his father and two younger brothers. The film provides a rare insight into Samim’s everyday life as a soldier, his constant challenges with his wife, whom we never see, and his loving care for his brothers.

The documentary shows what it’s like growing up in an environment where the highest goal is martyrdom as a suicide bomber. It also brilliantly captures the contrast between the young brothers’ carefree play on the one hand, and their religious and military indoctrination on the other.