In the United States, we are used to seeing the iconic James Bond movie character escape from opponents and drive across Europe in an Aston Martin. But Afghanistan’s new James Bond screen hero is different. Kabul’s 007 prefers a Toyota Camry for his adventures.
The new film is entitled “Nijat,” which means “savior” in Dari. It is Afghanistan’s latest attempt to overcome the repression that has been inflicted on the film industry by the forces of the Taliban. For years, the Taliban has censored and barred movies that they did not want others in the region to see for various reasons. The movie is scheduled to come out next year as part of the fifth Kabul International Documentary and Short Film Festival.
“Afghanistan’s film industry is coming out of the ashes,” explained Sonia Nassery Cole, a filmmaker in Kabul. She is working on a film that shows viewers what modern life is like throughout the nation and she is hoping more movies like this will bring awareness to the problem of the Taliban and the importance of stopping the volatile group.
You may not be able to get a copy of “Nijat” and see the Toyota Camry criss-cross Europe in a spy-fighting battle, but you can visit your Conshohocken area Toyota dealers for a great bargain so you can start drive around and pretend like you are James Bond in your own little town.