When Afghanistan is mentioned, the first associations would normally be of restrictions, blue-veiled women, of bearded Taliban men and terrorism.  Yet, during my two trips to Afghanistan I realised that though these might be unfortunate realities of this nation, there is a different reality that is hidden to the rest of the world and that can only be unveiled to the daring traveller who is ready to shed prejudices and luxury travel.  While Afghanistan might not be the country of choice for most travellers who want to take a holiday, (and lets face it is not exactly the safest or the best place to have ‘fun') it is a place to which teach the traveller lessons about the realities of life and the human spirit. 

I was always fascinated by Afghanistan and its people and when I was given the chance to travel to there as the producer for an independent film crew, and despite my family’s concern and worries, I took the chance.

What surprised me most about Afghanistan is how little of the good things about it we encounter through the media. While everyday we hear about its terrorists, bombings, and troubles with women’s rights, we fail to hear of the wonderful developments and advances that this country has made in the last several years.  While the advances might appear as primary, compared to Australian standards, they are milestones in the war-recovering Afghan society.  Yet there are some things, though, that measure up to other countries, such as the program ‘Afghan Star.’

As unbelievable as it might sound, (because we never hear about such things) Afghanistan has an identical program to the Australian and American Idol. Afghan Star is a nationwide televised talent search which saw hundreds of young Afghan queuing for hours in Kabul, Herat and Mazar to audition before a panel of 3 judges, hoping to be an Afghan pop idol.
 
When I found out this program existed and that the final show was to be held at our hotel, I was determined to go, though I was told that it would be next to impossible to get because tickets as they had sold out long ago and many fans were expected to turn up to try and get in last minute.  In my determination, I did manage to get an upstairs seat next to many Afghan men and women who buzzed with excitement as the show rolled on.  Several young Afghan men and women sang alongside each other, the crowed cheered, the winner was announced (and given many prizes) and the show came to a wonderful finale with a special appearance by a famous Tajik singer Manijeh, who had flown in from Tajikistan especially for this appearance. I was bewildered and lost for words when I watched the show repeated on TV several hours later, and realized that the final winner was chosen via SMS Afghan-wide, just as it is in Australian and American Idol.

What I learnt from Afghan Star, and the people I encountered throughout my trip, is that Afghan people are very determined and dedicated to their personal and national improvement. I was especially intrigued by several young women I met who worked for the Independent Media Group AINA as camerawomen.  One of these young women, who became a good friend of mine, was 21 years old and Afghanistan’s first ever and youngest camera woman.  Despite having seen her mother killed in a bomb attack, having to take care of her several younger sisters and brothers, and continuous threats on her life, she was determined to go on with her passion to make films and report on issues that affected Afghan society.  When I met her, so daring, and realistic and yet so kind and caring, she became the symbol of human determination and spirit, something, that so often lacks in other parts of the world.  It seemed to me that it was the same spirit that has drawn some great people from all over the world to Afghanistan to  help this nation reach its potential.  Currently there are many such people who have left their countries and are providing services to Afghan people.  I was fortunate enough to meet two such people, Mr. Reza Deghati, an Iranian photographer for the National Geographic based in Paris who had auctioned off some of his photographs to help establish and maintain the Independent Media Group AIAN, and Mr. Seddiq Barmak the director of the film Osama, for which he had received world-wide acclaim. Their dedication, humanity, humility, and simple way of life, was one which I rarely witnessed anywhere else.  Such people are numerous in Afghanistan. 

Someone had once told me that Afghan people are like sword and silk: they are tough and sharp on the outside, yet ever so soft and caring. This was proven to me as I travelled throughout the country. As the result of war, poverty, disease, lack of education, and hostilities, they have had to become tough and sharp, yet their spirit is not crushed as they strive everyday to live decent lives, lives which are so misrepresented, and misjudged by the Western media.