Afghan Star Documentary to Be Released Friday

Afghanistan's hit show, "Afghan Star," is practically a miracle. Modeled after "American Idol," the show has sparked such interest that it's getting its own documentary, also titled "Afghan Star." According to the New York Times, the documentary follows four top contestants, two men and two women. There's young Rafi, who prefers classical music to pop, Hammeed, champion of the abused Hazara people, Lima, who was raised in an Islamic fundamentalist community, and Setara, who made an extremely daring move by taking off her head scarf and dancing on stage.

Despite the fact that music is still considered sinful in Afghan culture, a full third of the nation tunes in every week to watch the singing competition. The Wall Street Journal reports that in addition to the music, "Afghan Star" gives its viewers a taste of democracy by letting them vote for their favorites via text message. The appeal of this particular element of the show is clear when certain Afghan individuals start selling their belongings just so they can afford more SIM cards.

The creator of the documentary, Havana Marking, shows the dangers involved in participating in such a competition. There are consequences for breaking the rules of their society, especially for Setara, who received death threats for dancing during her performance. According to PopMatters, many viewers say that she should "sing by Islamic rule," and her fellow contestants acknowledge that her life is in danger. Lima, the other female contestant, has to hide her identity in order to protect her family. Despite the danger, the show soldiers on under director Daoud Sediqi, who hopes to help "move people from the gun to music."