Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat secures German funding for ‘No Good Men’
A new chapter in Afghan cinema
Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat has successfully secured German financing for her upcoming romantic comedy, No Good Men. This film, set in a Kabul newsroom during Afghanistan’s democratic era, marks a significant milestone as it is the first romantic comedy from an Afghan filmmaker. The project has garnered support from Berlin-based Amerikafilm, alongside Danish-German outfit Adomeit Film, Paris-based La Fabrica Nocturna, and Norway’s Motlys.
A story of love and resilience
No Good Men tells the compelling story of a young camerawoman, portrayed by Ghawgha Taban, who falls for a married TV reporter, played by Mohammed Anwar Hashimi, twice her age. This romantic entanglement unfolds against the backdrop of a Kabul newsroom, highlighting the dangerous yet absurd realities of life in the city during that time. The film delves into the complexities of forbidden love while also shedding light on the challenges faced by reporters in Kabul.
Sadat, who fled Kabul with her family in 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power, has remained steadfast in her commitment to this project. She began developing the script with co-writer Anwar Hashimi before emigrating to Germany. Despite the upheaval, Sadat’s vision for the film has evolved, transforming it into a period piece that captures the essence of Afghanistan’s fleeting democratic era.
A political romantic comedy
Describing No Good Men as a “political romantic comedy,” Sadat emphasizes the film’s exploration of Afghan women’s experiences during the country’s brief experiment with democracy. Despite the era’s promises, women still faced significant restrictions, with only a middle class living in a relative bubble of freedom. Sadat’s narrative intertwines love with the broader socio-political context, making it impossible to separate the two.
“I talk about love, but this is love happening in the context of Afghanistan,” Sadat explains. “It’s impossible for me to talk about love and not address women’s issues. It’s impossible for me to talk about love and not talk about politics in Afghanistan.”
Universal themes in a unique setting
While the film is deeply rooted in Afghan culture, Sadat believes its themes are universal. “Love is happening everywhere, and sexism and patriarchy are also happening everywhere. I’m just showing you the Afghan version,” she says. This perspective allows the film to resonate with audiences worldwide, offering a unique glimpse into Afghan life while addressing common human experiences.
A journey of rediscovery
Before the fall of Kabul, Sadat was ready to embark on a new chapter in her life. She had just turned 30 and moved into a new apartment in Kabul when she began developing the script for her fourth feature. The sudden collapse of the Afghan government and her subsequent flight to Europe forced her to rethink her approach. “If I don’t live in Kabul, and then I make a film about everyday life in Kabul, it just doesn’t make sense,” she reflects.
However, after finding her footing in Germany, Sadat returned to the project with renewed commitment. ”Afghanistan is [not just] the geography. I am Afghanistan myself,” she asserts. ”No matter where I go, I am the country. My films are the country. Now I’m making Kabul in Germany. This is power. I got my power back.”
Overcoming challenges
Now based in Hamburg, Sadat is working to close roughly €400,000 ($446,000) in financing for the €2.9 million ($3.2 million) budgeted film. Principal photography is set to begin in late September, with shooting locations in Berlin, Brandenburg, and Hamburg. Production designer Pegah Ghamlambor and her team will recreate Kabul in the streets of Germany.
Despite her progress, Sadat has faced challenges with European financiers, many of whom have been slow to embrace the film’s premise. “It’s really difficult for people to understand the importance of it,” she admits. “If I was making a political film in a more obvious way, and talking about women and talking about politics and Taliban and the evacuation, it would be much easier for people to understand the purpose of the film.”
Sadat likens this resistance to another form of oppression. “This is another Taliban for me in Europe,” she says. “They’re telling me you’re not allowed to make this kind of content, but only this kind of content. I think this is my right. This is my right as an artist coming from Afghanistan to make a romantic comedy, because our people also deserve to laugh.”
Looking ahead
As Sadat prepares to bring No Good Men to life, she remains focused on her mission to tell authentic Afghan stories. Her journey from Kabul to Germany has only strengthened her resolve, and she is determined to share her unique perspective with the world. With the support of her international collaborators and a growing audience eager to see her work, Sadat is poised to make a significant impact on the global film industry.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit No Good Men.
This article is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat, whose work continues to break new ground and inspire audiences worldwide.