Shahrbanoo Sadat's "No Good Men" Premieres at Berlin Film Festival

Shahrbanoo Sadat's film "No Good Men," described as Afghanistan's first romantic comedy, premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, marking a significant moment for Afghan cinema. The film, which Sadat wrote, directed, and stars in, explores a love story set against the backdrop of Kabul's tumultuous political landscape during the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Sadat's journey to create this film was shaped by her experiences during the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces and her eventual evacuation from Afghanistan.

The Guardian

"No Good Men" follows Naru, portrayed by Sadat, who is the only female camerawoman at Kabul's main TV station. The narrative unfolds as she navigates her personal struggles, including a separation from her husband and the challenges of motherhood, while also capturing the last moments of freedom in Kabul alongside her colleague Qodrat. The film aims to challenge the prevailing negative stereotypes of Afghan men, with Sadat emphasizing that "it is really, really difficult to be a good man in Afghan society." Through humor and romance, she seeks to present a more nuanced portrayal of Afghan life, countering the typical war drama narrative.

The Guardian

Despite the film's innovative approach, Sadat faced significant hurdles in securing funding, as European film institutes were hesitant to support a comedy amid serious political struggles in Afghanistan. Sadat expressed her frustration with this perspective, stating, “I am one of those women and I want to make something and you’re standing against me.” Ultimately, she managed to gather resources from various European sources and filmed the project in Germany, featuring an all-Afghan cast.

The Guardian

The Berlin Film Festival director, Tricia Tuttle, selected "No Good Men" to open the festival, recognizing Sadat as "one of the most exciting voices in world cinema." This acknowledgment highlights the film's potential impact and Sadat's commitment to representing Afghan stories authentically. Despite the challenges posed by censorship and traditional values, Sadat remains optimistic that Afghan audiences will seek out the film, even if it means watching it through unconventional means like TikTok.

The Guardian

While Sadat's film has garnered attention, it has also faced criticism for its comedic approach during a time of serious conflict in Afghanistan. Some critics have questioned the appropriateness of a romantic comedy in light of ongoing struggles for women's rights and freedoms in the country. However, Sadat argues that her film serves as a vital expression of resilience and joy amidst adversity.

The Guardian

• “Photograph: Virginie Surdej “Afghanistan doesn’t have a film industry and it’s always misrepresented by the films that are being made by international film-makers.” — Shahrbanoo Sadat, Director

The Guardian

• “Being a strong woman is not enough if the system doesn’t support you.” — Shahrbanoo Sadat, Director

The Guardian

• “I actually feel offended that you feel offended by my project.” — Shahrbanoo Sadat, Director

The Guardian

Through "No Good Men," Shahrbanoo Sadat not only challenges stereotypes but also contributes to a broader understanding of Afghan culture, aiming to reshape the narrative around her homeland.

The Guardian