The Prince of Nothingwood

The Prince of Nothingwood is a 2017 documentary film directed by Sonia Kronlund, and starring Malik Akhlaqi, Qurban Ali, and Malikdelha. This profoundly unique film provides a glimpse into the world of Afghani cinema, by focusing on the prolific film producer Salim Shaheen. Seen as the Ed Wood of Afghan cinematography, who with no support and on a shoestring budget, manages to produce and release an astonishing 110 films over the course of his career. He stars in them all too!

The documentary takes an intimate and vibrant look at the life of this extraordinary figure and the Afghan cinephiles community. Viewers are introduced to a guerrilla filmmaker, fighting against all odds to manifest his passionate love for cinema in a country ravaged by years of war and destruction.

The film is a thrilling ride through the world of Shaheen and his troupe. It provides a stark contrast to the usual desolate and war-torn depiction of Afghanistan that's all too often portrayed in the mainstream media. Instead, it uncovers a surprisingly lively film industry that flourishes against the backdrop of conflict and reveals a different, yet essential side of Afghanistan, brimming over with joy and creativity.

In an engaging and frequently funny commentary, Salim Shaheen guides us through his work, revealing some of the practicalities of filmmaking in such difficult conditions. These include dodging bullets, commandeering local villagers as extras, and filming in locations that have suffered recent bombings. He further navigates the strict societal obstacles of a country still struggling with conservative norms and discipline, often with ingenious solutions.

Dubbed as the 'Prince of Nothingwood,' Shaheen paints a vivid image of his world where cinema is a form of escape from the hardships of daily life. Even amidst the persistent threat of violence, Shaheen insists on sharing his art with as many people as possible, showing screenings in remote, war-torn areas where the danger, far from deterring him, seems to only spur him on.

On this journey, we meet a cast of colorful and unforgettable characters who appear in Shaheen's films, ranging from ex-military officials, passionate artists, to brave female actresses defying social constraints. Each character contributes to the tapestry of Afghanistan's vibrant film sub-culture that has, until this point, been largely hidden from the rest of the world.

The Prince of Nothingwood's brilliance lies in the way it captures the sheer determination, perseverance, and love for cinema that infuses every aspect of Salim Shaheen's life. It beautifully illustrates the idea that despite adversities, the power of art can emerge and flourish. This film stands as a testament to the human spirit's tenacity and it's drive to create, even when resources are almost non-existent.

Malik Akhlaqi, Qurban Ali, Malikdelha, and their co-stars deliver wherever required, combining charisma, humor, and a deep-rooted loyalty towards their leader, Shaheen, all caught with exceptional warmth by director Kronlund’s discerning eye.

However, The Prince of Nothingwood is not just about the films and the filmmaker. It also intertwines the personal history of Salim Shaheen, his cultural and societal values, insecurities, and his hopes for a better future for Afghanistan. It presents a unique perspective on Afghanistan's political history, cultural dynamics, and how these intertwine with Shaheen's life and work.

There is also a profound and poignant subtext, that in countries destabilised by violence and divided by conflict, perhaps the world of film, where stories of love, bravery, and triumph over adversity can still find a place.

The Prince of Nothingwood is a celebration of the enduring spirit of creativity, resilience, and love for cinema. Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt portrait of a man whose every waking moment is devoted to his dreams of making films, providing an uplifting, humorous, and often touching tribute to the joy of cinema in the most challenging of circumstances.

For fans of world cinema and those who love filmmaking, this film is not to miss. It's indeed a window into an otherwise unseen world, a brilliant story of undying passion, and a tribute to those who dare to dream and create in the face of adversity. Ans as the movie’s tagline beautifully states, "Nothingwood - a world beyond Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood … a world where no one dreams of stars because the nights are too dark."