Kabul, Between Prayers (2025) by Aboozar Amini: Faith, Ideology, and Daily Life in Post-Taliban Afghanistan

Movie Summary: The Weight of Belief in a Reshaped City

"Kabul, Between Prayers" (sometimes referred to as "Kabul, Between Prayers") is a 2025 Dutch-Belgian feature-length documentary film, 99 minutes in duration, written and directed by Aboozar Amini. The film, a powerful follow-up to Amini's critically acclaimed debut Kabul, City in the Wind (2018), delves into the complexities of life in contemporary Kabul, Afghanistan, under Taliban rule. It focuses on the intertwined lives of two brothers: Samim (23), a devoted soldier of the Taliban whose ideology has shaped his destiny since birth, and his younger brother, Rafi (14), who idolizes Samim while navigating the confusion of adolescence in a world profoundly reshaped by decades of conflict and radicalization. Through their personal struggles, the film aims to provide a realistic and nuanced image of daily life in Kabul, challenging stereotypes and giving a voice to the ordinary people living amidst profound ideological shifts.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37660529/

About movie: https://rights.mediawan.com/worldwide/Cinema/65930

Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/kabul-between-prayers

Detailed Summary: Samim, Rafi, and the Reality of Kabul

A Meditative Glimpse into the Human Cost of Ideology in a City of Contrasts. Aboozar Amini, who left Afghanistan at the age of 14, returns to his homeland to offer an intimate and observational portrayal, moving beyond common media portrayals of Afghanistan.

• The Brothers' Dynamic: The narrative pivots around the relationship between Samim and Rafi. Samim, as a Taliban soldier, embodies the prevailing ideology, yet he struggles with the mundane realities of being a husband and farmer, torn between the allure of martyrdom and the simplicity of daily existence. This internal conflict offers a humanized look at a figure often stereotyped in Western media. Rafi, on the other hand, represents the next generation, growing up in an environment shaped by conflict and radicalization, looking up to his older brother while experiencing the universal rites of passage of adolescence.

• Challenging Stereotypes: Amini's core intention, as he has expressed in interviews, is to provide a "realistic image of life today in Kabul" and "tackle all the cliché, stereotyped images we know about Afghanistan." He seeks to show the dignity and humanity of the people, focusing on their daily struggles and resilience rather than just overarching political narratives or violent conflicts. He aims to counter the "misguided" images often presented by mass media.

• Observational Storytelling: Like his previous work, "Kabul, Between Prayers" is a documentary that likely employs an observational style, allowing the characters' lives to unfold organically. This approach enables viewers to connect with the human experiences on screen without heavy narration or overt political commentary.

• The City of Kabul as a Character: The film uses Kabul itself as a backdrop that shapes the characters' lives. The city, with its history of military intervention and its current state under the Taliban, becomes a palpable presence, influencing the brothers' choices and perceptions. Amini's personal connection to the city (he left during the U.S. war and returned later) likely informs his nuanced portrayal.

• Themes of Faith and Radicalization: The title "Between Prayers" hints at the pervasive role of faith and religious observance in daily life, while Samim's struggle with martyrdom touches upon the complexities of radicalized ideologies and their impact on individual choices.

• The Gap in Perception: Amini's previous work stemmed from his frustration with how Afghanistan is often portrayed. He found that the reality on the ground—of hardworking men and women striving to support their families—was largely missing from media narratives. "Kabul, Between Prayers" continues this mission, aiming to fill that gap and support the Afghan people by presenting a more authentic picture of their lives.

Plot Summary: Taliban Ideals vs. Daily Realities

• The film follows Samim, a 23-year-old Taliban soldier, who grapples with the conflict between his ideological devotion to martyrdom and the simple demands of his life as a husband and farmer.

• His 14-year-old younger brother, Rafi, idolizes Samim and navigates adolescence in a Kabul shaped by decades of conflict and radicalization.

• The documentary intimately port

To Reclaim the Narrative of Afghanistan Through the Lives of Its People. Aboozar Amini, an Afghan-Dutch filmmaker, is driven by a profound desire to rectify the often-misrepresented image of his homeland:

• Authenticity Over Stereotypes: His primary goal is to present an unvarnished, authentic portrayal of Kabul and its inhabitants, deliberately moving away from "prefixed perceptions, prefixed agendas" that he feels have damaged Afghanistan's image and its people.

• Human Dignity: Amini emphasizes showing the "humanity and dignity of people" in Kabul, believing that focusing on their daily lives makes their stories "readable for whoever on this planet."

• Personal Connection: His own experience of leaving Afghanistan and returning later, finding a city vastly different from his media-constructed image, fuels his dedication to capturing the overlooked realities. He seeks to show the majority of hard-working people striving for a better life, rather than just the fundamentalist elements.

• Observational and Immersive: Amini employs a patient, observational approach, immersing himself in the lives of his subjects to capture genuine moments and emotions. His previous film, Kabul, City in the Wind, used this to great effect, often riding buses without destination just to hear "little stories from the people." This suggests a similar immersive approach for "Kabul, Between Prayers."

• Artistic Independence: As an independent filmmaker, Amini aims to "take the microphone themselves for once and tell the story," free from external pressures that might shape narratives for "international stakeholders.

Themes: Ideology vs. Reality, Brotherhood, Adolescence, Post-Conflict Life, Identity, and Challenging Stereotypes

The Intertwined Threads of Faith, Family, and Future in a Complex Nation.

• Ideology vs. Daily Reality: The central tension, particularly with Samim, exploring how grand ideological commitments clash with the mundane, human needs of everyday life.

• Brotherhood and Mentorship: The dynamic between Samim and Rafi highlights the influence of older generations and prevailing ideologies on youth.

• Adolescence in a Conflict Zone: Rafi's journey through puberty amidst the radicalized environment of Kabul underscores the unique challenges faced by Afghan youth.

• Life in a Post-Conflict (and Post-Takeover) Society: The film explores the lived experience of ordinary citizens in a city and country under new, strict governance following years of intervention.

• Identity and Belonging: The characters navigate their personal identities within a community shaped by strong cultural and religious norms.

• Challenging Stereotypes: A overarching theme for Amini, aiming to present a more nuanced and human portrayal of Afghan people and their daily struggles.

Key Success Factors: Acclaimed Director's Return, Topical Relevance, and Humanistic Approach

• Aboozar Amini's Reputation: His debut film Kabul, City in the Wind was highly praised, establishing him as a significant voice in documentary filmmaking, especially on Afghanistan.

• High-Profile Premiere: The film's world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in the Out of Competition section is a major endorsement of its artistic merit and importance.

• Timely Subject Matter: Its focus on post-Taliban Kabul and the lives of ordinary citizens offers crucial insights into a region often misunderstood.

• Humanistic Perspective: Amini's commitment to portraying the dignity and complexity of his subjects resonates deeply with audiences.

• International Co-production: Collaboration between Dutch and Belgian production companies provides significant support and reach

Why to recommend movie: For a Crucial, Human-Centered Insight into Modern Afghanistan

An Essential Perspective on Life Under the Taliban, Told Through Personal Stories.

• For Deep Insight into Afghanistan: If you seek a nuanced, humanized understanding of life in Kabul under Taliban rule, moving beyond media headlines.

• For Fans of Observational Documentaries: Aboozar Amini's style offers an intimate and authentic portrayal without intrusive narration.

• To Challenge Stereotypes: The film aims to humanize figures often demonized and show the everyday struggles and resilience of Afghan people.

• For Powerful Brotherly Dynamics: The relationship between Samim and Rafi provides a compelling emotional core.

• To See an Award-Winning Director's New Work: Amini's previous film was critically acclaimed, making this a highly anticipated follow-up.

• For Films with High Festival Recognition: Its selection for the Venice Film Festival signals its artistic quality and importance.

Movie Trend: Post-Conflict Documentaries & Auteur-Driven Social Realism

Giving Voice to the Unseen Amidst Global Shifts. "Kabul, Between Prayers" aligns with the trend of post-conflict documentaries that explore the long-term social, psychological, and human impacts of war and political upheaval. It also

Social Trend: Life Under Authoritarian Regimes, Youth in Conflict Zones, and The Role of Faith

Navigating Tradition, Ideology, and Survival. The film deeply resonates with several contemporary social trends:

• Life Under Authoritarian/Religious Regimes: It offers a rare look at the daily realities and struggles of ordinary people living under the strictures of the Taliban government.

• Youth in Conflict-Affected Regions: Rafi's story highlights the experience of growing up in an environment shaped by decades of war and radicalization, and the impact this has on their development and worldview.

• The Role of Faith and Ideology: It explores how religious and political ideologies permeate everyday life, influence personal choices, and create internal conflicts for individuals like Samim.

• Challenging Global Perceptions: The film seeks to counteract simplistic narratives about Afghanistan and its people, promoting a more empathetic and complex understanding of their lives.

• Resilience of the Human Spirit: Despite the harsh realities, the film implicitly celebrates the enduring capacity of individuals and families to strive for a normal life amidst extraordinary circumstances.

Final Verdict: "Kabul, Between Prayers (2025)" is an Indispensable Look into Contemporary Afghanistan

Aboozar Amini's "Kabul, Between Prayers (2025)" is a crucial and deeply personal documentary that promises to offer an unparalleled look into daily life in post-Taliban Kabul. Through the intimate lens on two brothers – Samim, a Taliban soldier grappling with his ideals and reality, and Rafi, his idolizing younger sibling – Amini aims to dismantle prevailing stereotypes and humanize the Afghan people. Premiering in the prestigious Out of Competition section at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (August 27 – September 6, 2025), this film is a testament to Amini's commitment to authentic storytelling. It is an essential watch for anyone seeking a nuanced, compassionate, and unfiltered understanding of life in a city and country often misunderstood, highlighting the enduring resilience of the human spirit amidst profound ideological shifts.