Event 6
Sounds Like Teen Spirit & Afghan Star
Film screening double bill & talk with the directors
– Salem Chapel
Sounds Like Teen Spirit
Director: Jamie Jay Johnson
UK 2008. 100 minutes.
This utterly irresistible ‘popumentary’ delves behind the scenes of the world’s premiere youth music spectacle - the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, where the contestants must compose and sing their own entries in their national language. Their hard work, enthusiasm and ambition are revealed at the
spectacular 2007 finals in Rotterdam.
Afghan Star
Director: Havana Marking
UK/Afghanistan 2008. 87 minutes.
After 30 years of Taliban-rule, ‘Afghan Star’ (a Pop Idol-style TV series) is searching the country for a new generation of music stars. Over 2000 people are auditioning and even three women have come forward. But in this troubled country, music is controversial. Considered sacrilegious by the Mujahiddeen, music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth. While the conflict still rages, many of those taking part are literally risking their lives
Talk with both directors
Jamie Jay Johnson and Havana Marking introduce their new documentaries. With talent shows dominating the media, they have chosen unusual ways to explore the phenomenon. Johnson subverts the camp of Eurovision with an emotional portrait of the junior competition, while Marking had to operate with hidden cameras and contend with death threats in Kabul. Come along and put your questions. Chaired by Francine Stock.
Director: Jamie Jay Johnson
UK 2008. 100 minutes.
This utterly irresistible ‘popumentary’ delves behind the scenes of the world’s premiere youth music spectacle - the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, where the contestants must compose and sing their own entries in their national language. Their hard work, enthusiasm and ambition are revealed at the
spectacular 2007 finals in Rotterdam.
Afghan Star
Director: Havana Marking
UK/Afghanistan 2008. 87 minutes.
After 30 years of Taliban-rule, ‘Afghan Star’ (a Pop Idol-style TV series) is searching the country for a new generation of music stars. Over 2000 people are auditioning and even three women have come forward. But in this troubled country, music is controversial. Considered sacrilegious by the Mujahiddeen, music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth. While the conflict still rages, many of those taking part are literally risking their lives
Talk with both directors
Jamie Jay Johnson and Havana Marking introduce their new documentaries. With talent shows dominating the media, they have chosen unusual ways to explore the phenomenon. Johnson subverts the camp of Eurovision with an emotional portrait of the junior competition, while Marking had to operate with hidden cameras and contend with death threats in Kabul. Come along and put your questions. Chaired by Francine Stock.
This event has taken place
Supported by Hay Festival of Literature
