Philadelphia Independent Film festival North American Premier... Feature: Kandahar Break

Philadelphia Independent Film festival North American Premier...

Feature: Kandahar Break
TR:
Review: Amy Leonard for the Media Bureau.

David Whitney's Kandahar Break weaves politics, love, and betrayal into an action-packed thriller set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Amid the breathtaking landscape surrounding Kandahar, British engineer Richard Lee is hired by the Taliban to clear mine fields in conflict-ridden Afghanistan. Following the death of his wife, Richard falls in love with his interpreter, Jamilah, despite strict Taliban law forbidding extramarital relations. When the affair is discovered by a local police chief, Richard must escape to Pakistan before the Taliban kills him. As he makes the perilous and harrowing trek to the border and searches for safety, Richard gains a deeper understanding of himself while learning who he can and cannot trust.

A revealing portrait of a country in crisis, Kandahar Break delves into conflicts and issues that plague Afghanistan. David Whitney exposes the oppression of the Afghan people by the Taliban, whose rule is characterized by violence, oppression, and ruthlessness. Under Taliban law, women are viewed as little more than objects, and rights such as fair trial do not exist. After working with the Taliban, Richard is forced to face the brutal consequences of their rule firsthand. He must confront guilt and regret as he takes a physical and emotional journey across the desert.

Kandahar Break encapsulates the beauty and tragedy of Afghanistan's people. Amidst a corrupt government and violent surroundings, glimpses of friendship, humanity, and love are offered and a small but definite shred of justice can be grasped.


Language: English (British)