The Etilaat Roz

For ten years, the journalists of the Etilaat Roz have been making the most widely circulated daily newspaper in Kabul—entirely transparent, and constantly on the lookout for abuses in society and politics. But what do you do when this work becomes practically impossible? This film follows the team as the city is recaptured by the Taliban.

The newspaper’s offices became a fortress between August and October 2021, when the US pulled out of Afghanistan and the Taliban again seized power. With the sounds of planes and gunfire in the background, work continues inside the perimeter fence—to the extent that this is still possible. Editor Zaki Daryabi, always fighting for the most truthful stories as well as the security of his staff, is becoming increasingly concerned. Bank accounts are being blocked, censorship imposed, and journalists assaulted on the streets.

Staff member Abbas Rezaie continually films the passionate editorial team as they begin to lose all hope. An incisive portrayal of powerlessness, with a captain who doesn’t want to abandon his ship.

Nominated for IDFA Award for Best First Feature