My Afghan Diary

“My Afghan Diary” is a documentary that is comprised of confidential and controversial interviews with strong women, who talk about their challenges in balancing their home life whilst also following their dreams.

Arzu Qaderi is an Afghan-German filmmaker, based in London. This is her first debut, self-funded project, which she filmed in September 2017 when she returned to Kabul, for the first time since childhood.

As most of us know, Afghanistan is a war-torn country and filming is banned, hence she faced many obstacles. However, she was determined to make this passion project a reality but had to ensure her own safety by keeping it to herself during her trip in Kabul. 

The topic of female empowerment in Afghanistan is taboo, let alone providing a platform for women to find their voices again. From a young age and having lived in different countries, she felt that women were not supporting each other enough, even though we share the same essential values. Arzu learnt through the interviews that these women pursue their dreams with equal passion as we do in the western world, but wondered how do they keep their dreams alive? What motivates them every morning, to go to the local theatre and rehearse every single day? Where does this strength come from?

Arzu is very humbled by the response so far and honoured that the Prime Minister Theresa May has awarded a letter of congratulation to the trailer; which shows that we, as women, are heading in the right direction.

‘My Afghan Diary’ tells stories that will inspire and empower a future legacy of girls. You can watch the trailer on the link below and please share, subscribe and spread this message of female empowerment. These stories are sure to inspire with their strength of spirit!