SXSW Day #6/'The Network'

One film today (I'm fading) and tomorrow there will be three (I'm pacing).  Abe and I just loved this documentary "The Network' made by an Australian woman, Eva Orner. Her goal was to portray a positive view of Afghanistan, the most dangerous place in the world.  And while we never ever leave the horrific side of this torn apart place, Ms. Orner succeeds in making us see something different.  A family of expats who are successful business people return and develop a huge television network in the country.  First by radio, then by TV.  Most importantly they employ 900 Afghans and prepare to teach these young people the art of production.  The professionals that come from Australia for years become intimate friends, mentors, advocates and allies.  They just love what they are doing.  The role of women amongst them is remarkable in that these young women are so brave to begin to question their roles in their country and speak out about their rights.  All this while sending home all of their earnings to families that have not joined them in their march to more modern lives.  No one knows what will be when the special forces leave and the expats leave as well.  Security is a big issue as is the threat of civil war.  But one thing is for sure.  A seed has been planted and  television and the media has provided a vision to people who never ever knew there was a world outside their own.  A fantastic film!