After 30 years of war and 5 devastating years of Taliban rule, pop culture is beginning to return to Afghanistan. Since 2005, millions have been tuning in to Tolo TV's wildly popular series. Contestants compete for a cash prize and a record deal. More surprisingly - as women were previously banned from singing on public airwaves - the contest is open to everyone across the country despite gender, ethnicity, or age. Two thousand people audition, including 3 extremely brave women. And when viewers vote for their favorites via cell phone, it is, for many, their first encounter with the democratic process. Havana Marking's timely and moving film follows the dramatic stories of 4 young finalists as they hazard everything to become the nation's favorite performer.

Actors:

Rafi Naabzada,Lima Sahar,Fayez Hameed,Setara Hussainzada

Description:

After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop Idol has come to Afghanistan. Millions are watching the TV series `Afghan Star' and voting for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk all to become the nation's favorite singer. But will they attain the freedom they hope for in this vulnerable and traditional nation?