The Land of the Enlightened

This documentary plunges viewers into the heart of Afghanistan's Khost province, a region grappling with the ongoing conflict between the Taliban and NATO forces. It offers a unique perspective through the eyes of young boys who operate as child soldiers, running errands and acting as lookouts for both sides of the war. The film captures their daily lives, dreams, and resilience amidst the chaos and violence that defines their world.

The Land of the Enlightened received critical acclaim for its raw and unflinching portrayal of childhood in a war-torn nation. Critics lauded its powerful cinematography and intimate access to its young subjects, though some noted the challenging and often disturbing nature of the content. It was praised for its ability to present a complex geopolitical situation through a deeply human lens.

• Praised for its stunning and immersive cinematography.

• Commended for providing a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of child soldiers.

• Acknowledged as a difficult but important and eye-opening viewing experience.

Google audience: Google users generally found the documentary to be a visually striking and thought-provoking film that offered a unique perspective on the Afghan conflict through the experiences of its youngest inhabitants. While many appreciated its artistic merit and the courage of its subjects, some viewers found the subject matter profoundly disturbing and emotionally taxing.

Won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016.

Director Pieter-Jan De Pue spent over five years filming in Afghanistan, often embedding with the boys and their communities to gain their trust and capture their stories authentically.