Skateistan
Kai Sehr:
Skateistan (Germany, USA, 2011)
100 min. • English
Age limit 12
In 2007, Australian professional skateboarders Oliver Percovich and Sharna Nolan came to Kabul in Afghanistan carrying only a few skateboards with them. Their idea was to teach local kids to skate and make people get to know one another. Things got out of hand and now there is a €Skateistan€ also in Pakistan and Cambodia with the blessing of their embassies and UNICEF.
In the beginning of the documentary, the €skatepark€ is made of a former pool but despite the humble setting, the kids are immediately sucked into the hobby. Word gets around, and more and more young people living nearby become interested in the activity. At the same time, more problems arise. Western influences are shunned, and the fact that girls over the age of 12 are involved in a hobby together with boys seems outrageous. Yet, troubles are made to be conquered, as long as there's enough faith.
The documentary is a glimpse into Afghanistan that deviates from our war-mangled images. You have never seen a skate movie like this!
See also:
» Christopher Nelius, Justin McMillan: Storm Surfers 3D
» Jeff Broadway: Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton
» Jeremy Rumas: Hangs Upon Nothing
» Christopher Nelius, Justin McMillan: Storm Surfers 3D
» Jeff Broadway: Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton
» Jeremy Rumas: Hangs Upon Nothing
Screening time:
Tapio 4 • Thu 13th Nov at 6:00pm