Kamay

Kamay is the name of an ancient plant which carpets the mountains of central Afghanistan, historically inhabited by the Hazara people, who were massacred at the end of the 19th century for having sought independence. A journey of several days by bus separates this area from the capital, Kabul. The roads are dangerous and covered in snow, and the camera sometimes needs to be turned off to avoid run-ins with the authorities. None of this has stooped Zahra's parents from pursuing their quest for justice following her disappearance, while her little sister, who also dreamed of studying, relates her experiences of harassment, solitude and loss. The grey skies of Kabul contrast with the breathtaking beauty of the tall peaks, which echo back the song that Freshta sings for her sister. There is the poetry of daily life, the love which endures in this home, the gestures, the animals. But suddenly, the family’s enquiries are obstructed, there is no way forward, History overtakes personal lives, and Zahra's destiny merges with that of every woman in the country. This highly contemporary film is a contemplation of unconditional love and the resistance of Afghan women.

Anne Delseth

Ilyas Yourish
Kamay, 2024

Shahrokh Bikaran
Kamay, 2024