Father Geek here with an interesting report sent in to me today. This story by Paul Watson originally appeared in the LOS ANGELES TIMES. I reprint elements of it here because it really diserves the widest possible audience. Here in the States we take our movie going for granted. We bitch and moan if our local theater doesn't get our fave film right away, or if the lines are too long, or if the sound is a little off. Film Distributors and Studios talk so much about overseas sales and release dates that we just don't really think much about films NOT being seen by entire countries, entire ethnic groups, but THAT is just the case. Check out these excerpts from Paul's great story. If you interest is peaked you can probably find it in its original form on the LA TIMES homepage.
The Taliban soldiers were ruthlessly efficient in their destruction of the PARWAN CINEMA, except for the fragments of fantasies they left scattered on the projection room floor.
Two years later, the torn bits of movies - the blasphemous idolatry the Taliban thought it had wiped out for eternity - survive as the only reminder of a time when the people of CHARIKAR could sit in rows of metal chairs and stare at a flickering screen and dream...
It isn't easy to have a good time in a country so long at war. Those with money to spare can rent videos smuggled in from neighboring PAKISTAN, past the officers of the Taliban Ministry of Virture and Prevention of Vice...
Baba Khan, a metal worker and movie lover, was a regular at the Parwan. Now he sits on a wooden stool in his workshop across the street from the ruined theater, remembering how it used to be...
"It was a good time. I miss It. I liked the old Indian films, and they were good films. The old ones had everything: agood story, good fighting, and a good robbery" Khan says he's looking forward to the day when the boxoffice will open again... when Afghanistan is part of the world again...
At Shah Aqha's video shop in the town's bazaar, Hindi musicals and gangster films are the dominant genres, but there are also Hollywood titles, such as DESPERADO and THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS. For the 300,000 local Afghanis Aqha will provide the video tape, a battered B & W TV, a video player and a car battery to power the whole setup (The power grid has been dead for years) That basic package would cost an average Afghan DOCTOR a month's salary, and a color TV would set him back more...
Syed Hamrudin, 33, a Northern Alliance commander whose post overlooks the abandoned theater, remembers the days of the movie house. A full house of about 340 seats would leave the owner with about $40 a screening. For that he is locked away in prison and his wife and childen have nothing, Hamrudin said... His only crime according to Hamrudin, was showing movies. "He gave people with little hope some way to escape."
Father Geek back. Remember this story the next time you are motivated to gripe about the air con, or the fact that the film starts late, or there is some projection problem. Just be thankful you're not being FORCED to view a worn-out print on a battery operated 13 inch B & W set. Be thankful you can, with a little effort, see almost any movie made anywhere in the world at your convenience. Remember to check out the LA Times homepage for Paul Watson's entire story.
Now here's a kind-for related story sent to me today also...
Dear Mr. Knowles, I am a soldier in the United States Armed Forces. I am currently involved in this little fiasco with Osama Bin Laden. I am not upset of my decision to join the Air Force, nor am I upset at my location. I am currently deployed at Diego Garcia, a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Now I understand many of our fighting forces have it much rougher than I do here. I work 12 hour shifts 7 days a week, but at least I get a break, some of our boys don't even get that. But, we have internet access, and a selection of movies so we are fairly well off. However, I am a Movie Geek. and missing so many movies is disturbing. Especially Lord of the Rings.
I am looking for you and your readers to help me. I want to know if there was someone I could write to and ask if it where possible to get a presentation for the troops here. I myself have made strides in spreading interest. (Several people have borrowed my copy of the trilogy books) I know it's not Economical, but with this new fervor of patriotism, I think there had to be a chance worth trying.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Amn Matthew B. Nuckles
Can you help out these guys? If you're in a position to do so, make that call, get them a screening of this film! It'll be good for your soul.
