Kabul: Unveiling the International Drama Series Amidst Chaos
The recent political upheaval in Afghanistan, marked by the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, provides the backdrop for “Kabul,” an ambitious six-part international thriller from France. This riveting series, premiering at Series Mania in Lille, aims to encapsulate the urgent humanitarian crises experienced during that tumultuous period.
Inception of the Series
The inception of “Kabul” is rooted in the real experiences of producer Fabienne Servan-Schreiber, who was actively involved in the intense evacuation operations in Afghanistan. While on vacation in Greece, she was alerted to the crisis unfolding in Kabul. Motivated by a strong sense of duty, she collaborated with others to rescue Afghan artists and healthcare professionals at risk.
After receiving an urgent message from film historian Jean-Michel Frodon regarding the dire situation affecting Afghan artists, Servan-Schreiber mobilized her network to assist in fundraising for evacuation flights.
“I sent the email to everyone in my address book and got some great responses from people like Jane Birkin and others who said: ‘What can we do?’ Because people were very, very anxious about the situation,” she remarked. This initiative rapidly escalated from a fundraising effort to complex negotiations with various authorities to facilitate the safe passage of those in danger.
Transforming Crisis into Narrative
The chaos of the summer prompted Servan-Schreiber’s son, Matthias Weber, to propose the idea of creating a series that would chronicle the events of Kabul. Impressed by his mother’s commitment amidst high-stakes discussions with government representatives, Weber felt that their shared experiences could translate into a compelling narrative.
To bring the story to life, they recruited Olivier Demangel, known for his work on projects like “November” and “Father and Soldier.” The collaboration resulted in a nuanced script that navigates the complexity of the Afghan situation while ensuring a European perspective
Weber stated, “They understood that ‘Kabul’ was a crazy ambition endeavor.” The production team was keenly aware that while there may be other accounts of the events in Afghanistan, their unique approach, informed by personal experiences, allowed them to tell an authentic story.
Broad Collaboration and Funding
To successfully launch “Kabul,” the production team sought support from French public broadcaster France Télévisions, which recognized the project’s potential and partnered with multiple international broadcasters for co-production. The team managed to secure a substantial budget of approximately $20 million, a significant amount for a six-part series in Europe without the backing of a streaming platform.
Countries involved in co-producing the series include Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway. This diverse coalition aimed to enrich the series with an international outlook.
Filming Process and Challenges
Directed by Polish filmmakers Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas, “Kabul” presents a female perspective on the violence and turmoil in Afghanistan. The intention was to highlight the narrative of women, who represent a significant portion of the victims of the Taliban’s rule.
Servan-Schreiber highlighted, “The future of women is completely blocked there. They are locked up and don’t even have the right to speak.” This essential narrative focus drove the creators to weave a story centered around an Afghan family’s struggle amidst the upheaval, expanding to include various international characters.
Filming Locations and Production Teams
The choice of Greece as a filming location stemmed from its relevance to the storyline, due to its geographical and cultural similarities to Afghanistan. Key filming sites included the deserted airport in Athens, which was formerly used in the film “November.”
Weber stated, “Greece has several merits. The series ‘Tehran’ filmed there, and we find landscapes that are similar to those in Afghanistan.” This choice facilitated the casting of extras who could embody the diverse characters needed for an authentic portrayal.
In terms of production expertise, Sandrine Paquot, who boasts extensive experience in international productions, played a crucial role in ensuring the project’s success. The team also underwent several rounds of filming and editing to create a cohesive storyline that interlaces multiple narratives.
Future Implications and Narrative Impact
As the series unfolds, it promises to provide profound insights into the human experiences behind political crises. According to Valérie Vleeschhouwer of Mediawan Rights, the production is poised to address a significant historical event through authentic storytelling that connects Afghan families’ struggles with those of diplomats, soldiers, and civilians involved in the crisis.
In addition to “Kabul,” Mediawan is producing “13 Days, 13 Nights,” another project addressing the 2021 events aimed at depicting the evacuation efforts of the French Embassy amidst the Taliban’s resurgence.
Ultimately, “Kabul” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in times of crisis, providing an emotional lens through which the global audience can understand the depth of human suffering and resilience in Afghanistan today.