KABUL - The director of an award-winning Afghan short film, ‘Mary Mother,’ discussed his work with a Kabul audience as part of nationwide activities to mark the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Director of the 2016 Dari-language film, Sadam Wahidi, was joined by Aziz Deildaar, the Production Manager of the Roya Film House at the screening, which was organized by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).  

The 19-minute film follows Mary, who lives in a remote Afghan village with her two daughters. One day Mary hears news of the fall of Kunduz – where her only son is serving with the military – to the Taliban. As the authorities provide no news about her son, Mary decides to journey to Kunduz to find her own answers.

The film has been shown at a host of international film festivals, including in Afghanistan, India, the UK, North America, Italy and Russia. It has won several awards, including ‘Best Edit’ at the 4^th Afghanistan International Women’s Film Festival and ‘Best Film Jury Award’ at the Delhi International Film Festival. Meanwhile, at the Silver Akbuzat International Film Festival, the film took both the ‘Special Audience Choice Award’ and ‘Best Cinematography Award.’

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.