Black Kite is a 2017 Afghan-Canadian drama film written and directed by Tarique Qayumi and starring Haji Gul Aser and Leena Alam. The film was shot quickly over a fortnight where they moved locations to avoid being stopped by the Taliban.[1] The film was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.[2]

Black Kite
Film poster
Directed byTarique Qayumi
Written byTarique Qayumi
StarringHaji Gul Aser
Leena Alam
Release date
  • 9 September 2017 (2017-09-09) (TIFF)
Running time
87 minutes
CountriesAfghanistan
Canada
LanguageDari

Plot

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The film follows a man (Asur), his daughter (Alam), and his love of kites in the context of 50 years of Afghan history, including the banning of kite flying by the Taliban.[3][4]

Reception

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Critics praised the "captivating story"[5] and use of animation[6] but criticized the film for its "charmless protagonist"[7] and score.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Erbland, Kate (9 August 2017). "'Black Kite' Clip: Refugee-Turned-Filmmaker Tarique Qayumi Brings Unique Historical Drama to TIFF — Watch". IndieWire. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Toronto Film Festival's Canadian Content to Include New Margaret Atwood Adaptation". The Wrap. 9 August 2017. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  3. ^ "Black Kite - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  4. ^ Qayumi, Tarique (2 November 2018), Black Kite (Drama), Haji Gul Aser, Leena Alam, Zohra Nasim, Aquatinter Films, Borrowed Light Films, retrieved 2 June 2023
  5. ^ Hertz, Barry (31 May 2018). "Review: Black Kite wants to be the most inspiring film you'll see all year". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  6. ^ a b Simon, Alissa (13 February 2018). "Film Review: 'Black Kite'". Variety. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  7. ^ Dalton, Stephen (10 September 2017). "'Black Kite': Film Review | TIFF 2017". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
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