My SDI

As we approach the end of the year and look with anticipation towards the awards season, we are delighted to invite you to a new series of In Conversation events with filmmakers whose documentaries have surprised, provoked, engaged and inspired us throughout 2024 so far. 

We are kicking off with globally acclaimed filmmaker Ibrahim Nash'at, the director of Hollywoodgate (2023), a gripping documentary that will take you deep into the inner workings of the Taliban's new regime.

By RSVPing to this event, you will receive the Zoom details to join us on the day.

Attendees will receive a private link to watch the film after the In Conversation event. 

HOLLYWOODGATE 

92 minutes | Germany, United States

Unprecedented and audacious, Hollywoodgate is the riveting result of the year director Ibrahim Nash'at spent with the Taliban in the wake of the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Risking his life in the war-torn nation, Nash'at is on the ground with the Taliban when they enter an American base loaded with a portion of the roughly $7 billion worth of U.S. armaments left behind. Driving towards an astonishing and chilling end, Nash'at tracks Taliban leaders as they attempt to transform from a fundamentalist militia into a modern military regime, employing Hollywood-style propaganda to achieve their goals.

Director's Statement

As a child, I was exposed to many who saw the Taliban as heroes. In my adolescence I questioned this belief, and it led me to journalism. Since then, I have worked across the Middle East and Europe filming world leaders. Most of these people were men who merely wanted me to be a spokesperson for their perspective and an amplifier of their message. When the Taliban came to power (again), I was stunned. What would happen to the people of Afghanistan? It haunted me. Because of my background and professional experiences, I wondered if I could gain access to the Taliban. If so, this time I would show the world what they wanted me to see and, more importantly, what I saw.

Ibrahim Nash'at is a multi-award-winning Egyptian documentary filmmaker based in Berlin, Germany. His career in journalism spans various formats, working with several international channels and online platforms such as Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera, Business Insider, AJ+, Voice of America and others. Hollywoodgate premiered at Venice Film Festival in 2023.

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Our In Conversation series features inspiring filmmakers delving into the journey of their career and the process of crafting a film - from developing an idea, working with participants, funding, editing and distribution. These free, interactive virtual events are an incredible opportunity to speak to award-winning filmmakers and learn key tools and insights for working in the industry. 

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