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Marzia, My Friend
9.0

Marzia, My Friend (2015)

Apr 07, 2015 1h 20m Documentary

Marzia, My Friend is the story of an Afghan woman in her twenties, who like all young people dreams of love, freedom and an interesting job. She dreams of peace and independence, but because she lives in Afghanistan, her dreams are revolutionary. Ultimately Marzia’s story becomes a symbol of the wider struggle of Afghan women: it is about the right to make decisions about your own life. The film follows Marzia’s life from spring 2011 to the end of 2014, when international troops were due to leave Afghanistan.

Directed by Kirsi Mattila

Cast

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Marzia forootan
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Marzia forootan

as Marzia

Kirsi Mattila
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Kirsi Mattila

as Director

Crew

Director
  • Kirsi Mattila
Writer
  • Kirsi Mattila
Producer
  • Elina Pohjola
  • Piia Nokelainen

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Thematic Analysis

Marzia, My Friend represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Kirsi Mattila brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Marzia, My Friend took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Marzia, My Friend shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Addicted in Afghanistan, which focuses more on action than character development, Marzia, My Friend subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Afghanistan: War without End? and Afghanistan: The Battle for Helmand explore similar territory, Marzia, My Friend stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 7, 2015
  • Runtime: 1h 20m

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