Bermuda International Film Festival 2009

A reporter in a foreign country needs assistance from a local person who speaks the language, is familiar with the culture, understands local morals and, importantly, knows when something is wrong. Such a person is a “fixer” and journalist Ajmal Naqshbandi was one of the best in Afghanistan. As the film begins, though, you can tell Ajmal is no longer alive. Filmmaker Ian Olds gives you a peek at life behind the scenes as American journalist Christian Parenti works with Ajmal to report from Afghanistan. Later, when Ajmal is working with Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo, the truly tragic and heart-rending part of the film is front and centre. The two are ambushed and, after much negotiation, the Italian is freed but Ajmal is not. How could that happen? You will question thinking that suggests issues between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Taliban can be resolved in a manner that results in a stable democratic government. This film is an intelligent, enlightening and depressing picture of future Afghanistan that is thoroughly engrossing. Warning: graphic scenes of mutilation