Sundance Film Festival 2011 "Skateistan: To Live and Skate Kabul"

In a country with innumerable problems, Skateistan represents an oasis where children can be children and build the kinds of cross-cultural relationships that Afghanistan needs for future stability.

Programmer's Note: Former professional snowboarder Orlando von Einsiedel found that the Skateistan project combined two worlds he felt very passionate about: extreme sports and social work. The Skateistan project—started by two Australian aid workers who began giving skating as well as educational lessons to more than 350 kids in Kabul, Afghanistan—equips young men and women with the skills to lead their communities toward social change and development and piqued von Einsiedel's interest enough to make him want to capture it with a camera. Flying directly from Frankfurt to Kabul, von Einsiedel and crew sought to create a more optimistic image of Afghanistan. What resulted is a beautifully composed film that turns a spotlight on neither the battles nor the victims in this war-torn country, but rather on the hopeful spirit and culture of change that the youth of Kabul are yearning to put into action. We're thrilled to welcome von Einsiedel's film to this year's Festival and urge you to check out http://skateistan.org/ on your next Internet stop.

Category:

• The Screening Room

Directed by:

• Orlando von Einsiedel

Tags:

• Afghanistan
• skate boarding
• war
• peace
• Australia
• youth
• change
• Kabul
• hope
• film festival
• Park City
• counter culture

[D00MWEED]

If this film doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then you're just a STONE COLD RACIST!!

[ginnylin]

Despite some of the negative comments, I think this film was really very beautiful. I know it's impossible to separate it from reality/politics of the situation, but these kids are doing the best they can with what they've got, and that's something worth promoting and treasuring.

[irrepressiblenobody]

@D00MWEED Thats why you had to reply to me because, i'm such a nobody.

Muslums are scum. islam in is a supremacist, homophobic, sexist, cult that promotes underage sex and murder. Its one of the most violent religions ever and hasn’t change since the 6 th centaury . At least, Judaism and Christianity are such a fucking joke now in the modern world, they’re no longer a threat.

[D00MWEED]

@irrepressiblenobody Your name says it all, you're just a "NOBODY" now move along child.

[irrepressiblenobody]

Sad when the troops leave the taliban will stop this; muslim scum ruin everything.

[irrepressiblenobody]

@D00MWEED fuck off kid

[WharfRat44]

I don't skateboard, and I really want to pursue it! I was absolutely SO touched by this video!!

[shshadowkidd]

Did anyone see that "bomb" behind the ramps? @ 2:56

[shshadowkidd]

Damn lol. I'm Afghan and I went to Afghanistan in 2008 and I didn't see any of this. I am really happy that there are people who have helped kids in Afghanistan and for that I salute you. Keep up the good work.

[connormaczee]

@D00MWEED thats a bit too far it just means you have different ways of expressing yourself, not racist, racist means something completely different

[cairododds111]

song cinematic orchestra all things to all men

[cairododds111]

@D00MWEED bit of a debatable coment