Afghanistan - The Boy From The Valley Of The Buddhas

Series
Synopsis
The film takes us into one of the most fascinating landscapes at Hindu Kush - to the high-lying valley of Bamiyan, situated 230 kilometres north-west of Kabul. It accompanies an archaeologist as well as experts from the UNESCO during their work and grants insight into the everyday life of the fourteen-year-old Sajjed Daoud who, with his wages as an archaeological excavation helper, is the breadwinner in a family of seven. Bamiyan became famous for its colossal Buddha statues which Buddhist monks had chiselled into the rock in the 6tth century. In February 2001, Mullah Omar, head of the so-called Taliban government, ordered their destruction. Despite worldwide protests the fanatical holy warriors went ahead with the blasting. A unique cultural heritage was lost forever. In summer 2004, while this film was being shot, headlines spread the news that a third giant Buddha, over 300 metres in length, was slumbering beneath the earth of Bamiyan. Zemaryalai Tarzi, a French archaeologist of Afghan descent, began to dig for the colossus assisted by 70 local helpers. The film team was a witness as he unearthed amazing pieces of evidence. For the local tribe of the Hazara Tarzi´s spectacular search means one thing above all: gainful employment. In this region of high unemployment, still stricken by the aftermath of war, this is a rare stroke of luck.
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Afghanistan
War
Terror
Taliban
Hindu Kush
Valley
Runtime (in min.):43
Format:Digital Betacam
Year Of Production:2005
Companies & Organizations
Production Company:

SWR

Filmmakers
Directing:

Ulrike Becker

Keywords
Afghanistan; War; Terror; Taliban; Hindu Kush; Valley; Landscape;
Categories
History, Lost Cultures, Geography, Travel & Cultures, Asia