THREE SONGS FOR BENAZIR
DIRECTED BY GULISTAN MIRZAEI, ELIZABETH MIRZAEI
AFGHANISTAN // 2021
23 MINS
The story of Shaista, a young man who, newly married to Benazir and living in a camp for displaced persons in Kabul struggles to balance his dreams of being the first from his tribe to join the army with the responsibilities of starting a family.
Reflective Encounters
“It is daytime, and Benazir listens to a song on her radio, leaning against the wall of the home she shares with her husband Shaista, in a camp for people displaced by war in Kabul. The lyrics ring out: “how quickly time is passing/my youth is fading”, she closes her eyes to listen.
These lyrics encompass this moving documentary filmed over the course of four years in Afghanistan - time that seems to pass as swiftly as sand. We follow Shaista - an ambitious and loving young man - as he tries to provide for his new family while struggling to fulfil his goal of joining the army. Elizabeth and Gulistan Mirzaei’s observational lens has a quiet power in how gently it holds its subjects, allowing us to feel their dedication to each other. It’s hard not to fall in love with Shaista, and wish for his well-being.
The beauty of this film is derived from its tenderness. We are so sadly accustomed to traumatic stories coming from this displaced landscape. But while Three Songs for Benazir carries the weight of a wartorn country and lack of opportunity, there is hope in the warmth we see on screen and the songs of love that Shaista sings as they carry through the air.”
— Malaika Kegode