Archive Cinema City 2011.

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan

Genre: Documentary
Country: UK
Year: 2010
Duration: 52 min

Director: Jamie Doran



Programme selection: Democracy/Export-Import

Synopsis:

The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan, Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi returns to his native land to expose an ancient practice that has been brought back by powerful warlords, former military commanders and wealthy businessmen. Known as "bacha bazi" (literal translation: "boy play"), this illegal practice exploits street orphans and poor boys, some as young as 11, whose parents are paid to give over their sons to their new "masters." The men dress the boys in women's clothes and train them to sing and dance for the entertainment of themselves and their friends. According to experts, the dancing boys are used sexually by these powerful men.

In detailed conversations with several bacha bazi masters in northern Afghanistan and with the dancing boys they own, reporter Quraishi reveals a culture where wealthy Afghan men openly exploit some of the poorest, most vulnerable members of their society.


 

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