Frame By Frame

FRAME BY FRAME reveals the dazzling colors and textures of Afghanistan in a manner seldom seen in the West – through the camera lenses of its photojournalists. We travel along with four courageous photographers who, first under the Soviets and then under the Taliban, risked their lives to show the world what was happening in their country. Najibullah, a professor, relates what happened when the Taliban made photography illegal, tearing up pictures and beating photographers. Wakil’s subjects are drug addicts; he hopes his work will lead to social change. Farzana is the leading photographer of women in Afghanistan, remarkably persistent at getting past the security guards, doctors, and male relatives who control their daily lives. Massoud tells us about growing up as a refugee in Iran, and going on to win a Pulitzer Prize. These intrepid photographers belong to the brother- and sisterhood of journalists in crisis zones, whose only weapons are their cameras. (In English and Dari with subtitles) – B.B.