Dir. Travis Beard | Australia 2017 | 90 min | Documentary | M
By Melbourne based director Travis Beard, Rockabul follows Afghanistan’s first rock band District Unknown. In the war torn capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, where Rock music is forbidden by Islam.
The band put themselves in the firing line to challenge freedom of expression, youth identity and conflict with culture. We get a glimpse into the lives of young people living in the aftermath of absolute destruction and chaos, that is Afghanistan. A glimpse into the underground expat party scene, at odds with a conservative and fundamentalist society. A glimpse into the fire that ignites a young band to play music together and connect with other youth.
★★★★ Rockabul.. shows us a part of Afghan culture, taking us inside life in Kabul.. and provides an experience that is a privelege to witness. -Margaret Pomeranz & Graeme Blundell, Foxtel Arts
★★★★1/2 A respectful, powerful, entertaining, informative, engaging documentary that kicks ass. -The Curb
What they are doing is dangerous, therefore exciting. The fire of youth burns bright in their eyes… it is a very clear expression of a desire to live freely.” -The Age & Sydney Morning Herald
A film that set out to change people’s views, RocKabul is a flooring documentary giving a glimpse into the lives of young people in Afghanistan. -Beat Magazine
Through their successes and struggles, a constant danger lurks -not just for their artistic endeavours, but from the precarious presence of the Taliban. -Switch
ROCKABUL is a candid and at times frightening account of the risk these young men put on their own lives, as well as the lives of those who choose to support them .. at the same time as showing if you stick to your guns and follow your dreams you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. -Forte Magazine
Bill Gould of Faith No More and Exec Producer:
“ROCKABUL is a fascinating view into Afghanistan that is rarely seen – from a perspective that anyone who has ever been in a band can relate to.
