Calendar – Past Event

Earning Directing and Audience Awards for International Documentary at Sundance Film Festival, Afghan Star literally unveils the face of hope amidst war and struggle. The first of its kind in a part of the world where even small freedoms are taboo, this American Idol-like television phenomenon gives a voice to those unheard. To trade guns for microphones and burkas for high notes is to believe in the power of music as a political and cultural truce-maker. Director Havana Marking immerses us in the seldom-seen vibrancy of a place known only for the opposite. Through music, conversations, and laughter, cultural barriers come down as the pop star rises. (Afghanistan/UK, 88 min. Unrated)

"An informed and entertaining dispatch about the collision of culture, ideology and history." - Screen Daily

All films screen at Paepcke Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 pm. All tickets for the series are $12 and will go on sale through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House starting Monday, June 22nd - call 970.920.5770 or visit www.aspenshowtickets.com. Single tickets are available at the door nightly, cash or checks only.

For more information on SummerFILMS 2009 or Aspen Film, visit www.aspenfilm.org or call 970-925-6882.