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Three Songs for Benazir

  • 2021
  • TV-14
  • 22m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
3.1K
YOUR RATING
Three Songs for Benazir (2021)
The story of Shaista, a young man who - newly married to Benazir and living in a camp for displaced persons in Kabul -struggles to balance his dreams of being the first from his tribe to join the Afghan National Army with the responsibilities of starting a family. Even as Shaista's love for Benazir is palpable, the choices he must make to build a life with her have profound consequences. Gulistan and Elizabeth Mirzaei's remarkable access sheds light on the experience of modern-day Afghans who live, love, and seek space for themselves amid constant instability. Nominated for the 15th Annual Cinema Eye Honors and winner of six jury awards, including Best Short at Full Frame.
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DocumentaryShort

Even as Shaista's love for Benazir is palpable, the choices he must make to build a life with her have profound consequences.Even as Shaista's love for Benazir is palpable, the choices he must make to build a life with her have profound consequences.Even as Shaista's love for Benazir is palpable, the choices he must make to build a life with her have profound consequences.

  • Directors
    • Elizabeth Mirzaei
    • Gulistan Mirzaei
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.3/10
    3.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Elizabeth Mirzaei
      • Gulistan Mirzaei
    • 21User reviews
    • 12Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 15 wins & 9 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 1:42
    Official Trailer

    Photos25

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    User reviews21

    6.33K
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    Featured reviews

    10CubsandCulture

    Finding hope where none should be

    This is a 22 minute documentary that briefly tells an ordinary love story of an Afghan couple that was displaced by the American invasion. The husband struggles to find work-he tries to join the Afghan army-and various other struggles in life. Despite its shortness the love between the husband and wife come through in stark terms. As does the sheer struggle their lives have been-the film is not political but it's hard to not see the American failure made manifest in this film.

    Jesus I hope they are still alive. Americans need to think long and hard before we use the military ever again.
    10pohsiteng

    Most incredible short doc this Oscar season

    Three Songs for Benazir is an incredibly intimate film about young love in the midst of ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan. Set for the most part in a refugee camp, the film conveys so much and is an essential watch for anyone who has any interest in Afghanistan. With the Taliban takeover last year, this film couldn't be more relevant.

    Told through the perspective of Shaista, a young man (still a teenager), we understand what aspirations can be in the most challenging of circumstances:-- how it can break you, and that life, ultimately, is a struggle.

    Elizabeth and Gulistan Mirzaei have created a beautiful poem and ode to the people of Afghanistan.
    10itskimzim

    MUST SEE

    This short documentary film is an emotional rollercoaster packing a powerful love story and a quick glimpse into the disturbing reign of the Taliban into 22 minutes. In the time it takes to get a coffee at the Starbucks drive through you can feel the love, hope, pain, and despair of this young couple in Afghanistan.

    A reminder that love is universal despite the political and cultural environment that surrounds you. It is a beautiful film full of truth and honor telling the story of a real Afghan couple that you won't see in the media.

    It is a must-see for every American who feels disconnected because the media only highlights the war. A reminder that there are innocent citizens living their lives in Afghanistan, beautiful people who lead with their brave and courageous hearts.

    I only hope that Benazir has found peace and comfort in her tumultuous life.
    8AJ_McAninch

    Moving Docu

    What a warm and expressive face he has. I was very moved, and loved them both. Wish the film were longer and that we could know how they are doing today. They put faces to my worries during the years we were there and after we left Afghanistan.
    10florenceatrafi

    Heartbreaking but beautifully captured

    This documentary portraits the wounds and the despair in a country where war has been dominated for decades.

    But nonetheless, it also sketches beautifully the innocence, love, ambitions, dreams and vulnerability of the young Afghan generation that is overshadowed by the clouds of war..

    Heartbreaking but beautifully captured.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Gulistan and Elizabeth founded Mirzaei Films to be an indigenous window into modern-day Afghanistan, making films that are recognized for their intimacy, rare access, and how they challenge perceptions of Afghanistan.
    • Connections
      Featured in Subject (2022)
    • Soundtracks
      Spirit
      Written by Jean-Michel Blais and Cfcf (as Michael Silver)

      Performed by Jean-Michel Blais and Cfcf (as CFCF)

      Publishing by Arts & Crafts Music Inc. and Warp Publishing d/b/a Raise Your Hands Music

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • January 24, 2022 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Netflix Site
      • Three Songs for Benazir
    • Languages
      • Pashtu
      • Dari
    • Also known as
      • Три пісні для Беназір
    • Filming locations
      • Kabul, Afghanistan(location)
    • Production company
      • Mirzaei Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      22 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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