BY CYNDI GREENING, PARK CITY (USA) — On Monday morning, Nick and Jeniece saw Eva Mulvad’s ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS, a documentary film about Malalai Joya, a 28-year-old Afghani woman running for a parliamentary position in the “new” government. Courageous, compassionate and committed, Joya has had numerous death threats because she openly accused the Mujahidin (Afghani Warlords) of trying to maintain their power through the new judicial system. “Many of you here in this hall have blood on your hands and you should be tried in the World Court,” she said.
A politician from the impoverished Farah Province in the remote desert, the film shows Joya as she negotiates with clan leaders and works to provide for the local citizens. Life and its limitations in contemporary Afghanistan is revealed. The challenge of implementing a democracy in deep poverty, limited education and cultural restriction is apparent.
Shot by a two-person, all-female crew (because men could NOT be going in and out of Joya’s home), ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS was visually-compelling and evocative. While Westerners focus on self-interest, we observe that Joya’s fierce determination emanates from a strong sense of duty and responsibility to her community. Seeming to be always in control and self-assured, at one point in the film she starts to break under the pressure. In the Q&A following the screening, Director Mulvad discusses that moment and the brave, young woman at the heart of this powerful documentary. Eschewing the bluster and rhetoric of typical politicians, Joya’s calm insistence on serving her public is an inspiring and riveting story.
ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS Post Screening Q&A
Podcast on Saturday, 27 January, 2007
Recorded 22 January 2007 Sundance Film Festival
Enemies of Happiness Q&A – Large – Direct download link
Enemies of Happiness Q&A – Small – Direct download link
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