Black Kite

Tarique Qayami

Canada/Afganistan, 2017, 82 minutes

The brutal rule of the Taliban still casts a pall over most Westerners' perception of Afghanistan. That Tarique Qayumi's new film masterfully recognizes a richer and vastly more complicated history is more than enough to strongly recommend it. Black Kite examines the impact of history on one family; specifically, how the family members quietly defy it and get swept up in it. The film opens with some beautifully assembled archival footage detailing Zahir Shah's attempts to modernize the country, including mandating public education for children. Arian, the son of a kite maker (kiting is a long-time national sport), will be the first in his family to attend school. The boy is a daydreamer, however, and spends far more time thinking about making kites with his father than studying.—Toronto International Film Festival

In Dari with English subtitles