Love Crimes of Kabul

About Love Crimes of Kabul

"Love Crimes of Kabul" is an intriguing documentary released in 2011, directed by Tanaz Eshaghian. The film provides a unique perspective on the moral crimes that are regarded as severe offenses in the state of Afghanistan. The story unfurls in Kabul's Badam Bagh jail, where more than half the incarcerated women are held due to "moral crimes" like premarital sex and running away from home. This documentary explores the complex intersection of justice, tradition, and gender in modern Afghanistan.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Tanaz Eshaghian and produced by HBO. Eshaghian was granted extraordinary access to the jail and its inmates, providing a rare view inside the Afghan justice system. This documentary was shot with tremendous restraint and respect for local culture, and it took two years to complete the filming and editing process.

Actors

As a documentary, "Love Crimes of Kabul" did not feature actors playing roles but real-life persons. Here are some of the key individuals:

• Kareema: She's charged with "fornication" and is awaiting the court's verdict. Her story emphasizes the severe social consequences of sex outside marriage.
• Aleema: Aleema is another woman facing similar "moral crimes." Her defiant spirit and insistence on justice highlight the struggle of women against repressive traditions.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary was filmed inside the actual Badam Bagh prison in Kabul, Afghanistan.
• The film provides an unblinking view of the lives of women behind bars and the moral complexities within the Afghan judicial system.
• The director, Tanaz Eshaghian, is an Iranian-born filmmaker known for her uncensored depictions of Middle Eastern society.

Music, Soundtrack

"Love Crimes of Kabul" incorporates minimal music and soundtrack, choosing instead to focus on the raw, unfiltered dialogues and ambient sounds to build a more authentic atmosphere.

Note: The documentary is primarily in Dari with English subtitles.