Shot on location in Afghanistan between September 2003 and June 2004, this documentary follows Afghanistan’s extraordinary path from despotism to democracy through the eyes of two Afghans who aspire to become elected representatives to Afghanistan’s Constitutional Loya Jirga.
This Loya Jirga is of unprecedented importance to Afghanistan’s future, as 500 delegates travel from all parts of the country to Kabul to ratify the newly drafted constitution and debate controversial issues such as civil rights for women and minorities, and the role of Islam in the legal system.
Four months prior to the Loya Jirga, two candidates — Nadira Kharoti and Rafiq Shahir — from different provinces and different ethnic backgrounds — begin their campaigns to represent their people at the Loya Jirga. The film follows these brave Afghans as they register for the election, campaign for votes amongst their constituents, and deliver their political messages.
The film captures the intimate moments with delegates who are flying on a plane for the first time, bursting with excitement as they come to Kabul vested with this tremendous honor and responsibility. The film ventures into the highly restricted Loya Jirga site, where delegates are congregating in the mosques, and mingling in the tent.
