The Last Torch: Singing for Afghanistan

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BBC News - The Last Torch: Singing for Afghanistan

Women use the power of their voice to fight for freedom.

Women use the power of their voice to fight for freedom in a country that doesn't allow them to work and where education is banned for girls.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have restricted women's freedoms and rights. Girls and women have protested, but faced a massive crackdown. This film follows two sisters who have started a movement called the Last Torch from the secret of their home to defy the Taliban with the power of their voice.

The Last Torch got its inspiration from the women protesting across the country and emerged shortly after the Taliban's takeover of power. The BBC's Kawoon Khamoosh has followed them as they risk their lives to fight for freedom.

This documentary also features three generations of female musicians who have been resisting the restrictions imposed on them by various regimes in a deeply conservative society. Farida Mahwash is the only female singer who obtained the title of Ustad (maestro) and speaks about opportunities and challenges for female musicians since the 70s. Sonita Alizada, one of the first female rappers from Afghanistan, has been using her stage to challenge traditional values restricting women and girls.

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