The Orphanage

Followed by a talk with Shaarbanoo Sadat

The orphanage recounts the experiences of young Afghans residing in a state-run institution for boys during the period of Communist occupation in 1981. Quodrat, a fervent admirer of Bollywood cinema, assimilates his personal experiences into the films he views at the local cinema. This remarkable film by the gifted Shaarbanoo Sadat weaves together a compelling narrative that draws upon her country's historical backdrop. (AM)

Shahrbanoo Sadat is an Afghan writer and director. She lived in Kabul until the Taliban took over the city, and now she lives in France. Her second feature film, The Orphanage, is the first of five films based on an unpublished autobiography.