'Osama' at American Centre

Golden Glob awarded 'Osama', a film centering on three generations of women, deeply affected by the advent of the Taliban's rule in their land, will be screened at 6.30 pm at March 18 at American Centre, Colombo-3. Inspired by a true story, Osama is the first entirely Afghan film shot since the fall of the Taliban.

Made in 1993,the film tells the story about a young girl who disguises as a boy, Osama, that exposes the cruelty of the Taliban. It was the first film to be shot entirely in that country since 1996, when the Taliban régime banned the creation of all films.

Golbahari, a 12-year-old Afghan girl and her mother lose their jobs when this new regime closes the hospital where they work. As the Taliban has already begun to take over Afghanistan, the country's women find themselves forbidden to leave their houses without a 'legal companion'--specifically, a boy or a man.

With both her husband and brother dead, there is no one left to support the family--and without being able to leave the house, this mother is left with nowhere to turn. Feeling that she has no other choice, the mother--along with the grandmother--disguises her daughter, Golbahari, as a boy.

Now called Osama, the girl embarks on a terrifying and confusing journey as she tries to keep the Taliban from finding out her true identity. Directed by Siddiq Barmak, the film stars Marina Golbahari, Zubaida Sahar, Arif Herati and Khwaja Nader.