Osama
Inspired by a true story, Osama centres upon three generations of women who are deeply affected by the advent of the Taliban's rule in their land.
A 12-year-old Afghan girl and her mother lose their jobs when the Taliban closes the hospital where they work. The Taliban also forbid women to leave their houses without a male "legal companion." With her husband and brother dead, killed in battle, there is no one left to support the family. Without being able to leave the house, the mother is left with nowhere to turn. Feeling that she has no other choice, she disguises her daughter as a boy. Now called 'Osama,' the girl embarks on a terrifying and confusing journey as she tries to keep the Taliban from finding out her true identity. Inspired by a true story, Osama is the first entirely Afghan film shot since the fall of the Taliban.
Certificate: 12A
Key cast / credits
Dir / Writer: Siddiq Barmak
Cast: Marina Golbahari, Arif Herati, Zubaida Sahar
Running time: 83 min
Release date: 27 June 2003 (Afghanistan)
Country: Afghanistan / Netherlands / Japan / Ireland / Iran
Language: Pashtu / English / Dari
Format available: 35mm/digi
Best Foreign Language Film, Golden Globes
Sutherland Award, London Film Festival 2003
Special Mention for the Camera d'Or
Cannes Youth Jury's Best Film prize
CK award from arthouse cinema owners of France
Directors Fortnight Cannes film festival 2003
"The Taliban is gone, but Osama tells a story worth remembering, an astonishing act of historic discrimination." Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"...directed with poetic bluntness..." Ty Burr, Boston Globe
"Although it takes place in Afghanistan, it documents practices so cruel that it is hard to believe such ideas have currency in the modern world." Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times