TRAVIS BEARD

ROCKABUL (2019)
Directed by Travis Beard.

A documentary about Afghanistan's first metal band, District Unknown, that existed on the fringes of Afghan society and beyond comprehension of conservative Islam. While living in Afghanistan for seven years, Australian filmmaker Travis Beard began recording his friends to chronicle a part of Afghan life that is rarely shown in Western media. The film features never before seen footage of Kabul and the underground party scene that existed on the precipitous of this fragile city. To challenge conflict with culture, District Unknown literally put themselves and their followers in the firing line. They became targets because their music connected and communicated to and with Afghan youth, the expat community in Afghanistan and internationally. We watch as the five unassuming young men: Qais, Pedram, Qasem, Lemar and Yousef come of age and deal with identity and freedom in a place where both can get you killed.

REVIEWS Rockabul - Travis Beard on documenting Afghanistan's first heavy metal band
Rockabul - Changing minds through music