And no one laughed anymore, everyone just stared at the screen. What is he doing? Where is he going? He runs, and runs, falls down the stairs, but was still running. He had become a "kafir", he did not want to stay there anymore. He runs, but it's no longer the film, it's over. We did not want it to end, we wanted to know where Shad Gul is running, but he was gone. That was until a few weeks ago. Now I know the fate of Shad Gul.

Wahed Nazari, the great and successful Afghan director of "Da konde Zoi", is the bearer of this great news, "Shad Gul is back!"

I know, that you are as eager as I was to know more, and I will of course let all dear visitors and readers read this exclusive interview with Wahed Nazari, to learn about his plans and recent work, and of course, about Shad Gul.

Farid:
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for all these years of success in your career and thank you for giving me the opportunity of talking with you exclusively to allow your many fans read about you, your works and your plans.

As we all are interested into your work, my first question will begin here.

When did you start your career?

Nazari:
I started working professionally in Afgahn cinema in 1982, at that time I was studying as well. Due to my interest in acting I became a part of a children's program. In 1973 I soon became known as "Kaka Manjani" (uncle Manjani). Afterwards I became involved in radio drama.

Farid:
Tell us please more about your works, how many films have you directed so far?

Nazari:
As I was studying I directed many short films and also for my diploma I made a film for the Bulgarian television named "Se Shab az hazaar yak shab". I completed my education in 1982, as director I returned to Afghanistan, with a diploma in directing.

After making short dramas and feature presentation for television, I directed the very first theatre show for Afghan national television named "Rais" (Boss) for which I recieved the academic award.

In 1983 I began working in Afghan film industry. My big screen debut was "Lahza ha" (The moments) for which I received another award in the Warta festival in 1993.

I then directed a documentary based on an orphanage named "Parwareshgah watan" which also recieved an award from the journalism committee. At the same time I directed another documentary named "Inqelab dar rawand takamu". In 1990 I began working on a very successful film named "Arman", which took three years to complete.

Then I directed films for Afghan television which included a documentary named "Musaleha Meli", a short film named "De lmar ba lor", another documentary "Afghanistan bedon shorawee ha", (Afghanistan without russians) the commedy series (3 episodes) "Da konde zoi". My last film was called "Gumrah", which was filmed in Australia.

Farid:
You mentioned your last film as "Gumrah", please give us some details about this movie.

Nazari:
This film was edited, written and produced by Fahim Faiz. Starring in this film are:
Habiba Askar, Fahim Faiz, Waheed Barukzai, Kurzia, Zia Herasan, and Toya Hamed.
The music and lyrics are by Shadkam, duration of the film is about two hours.

Farid:
I guess you understand this question very well, and I think this is the question on everyone's lips. Please tell us about your next shoots. What more is on the way?

Nazari:
Right now I'm busy making the fourth and fifth episodes of "Da kondi zoi". We will start filming once Mamnon Maqsudi, who has the main role (Shad Gul), gets to Holland.

Farid:
As I mentioned before, we have all been waiting for Shad Gul to return, and now finaly he is. We missed him so much! Could you please tell us what you remember from the shootings of "Da konde Zoi" in Afghanistan.

Nazari:
One of my memories was a scene filmed in the Monar Maiwand. It was filmed with a hiden camera, the actor, Mamnon (Shad Gul), was supposed to ask Ram Dad's address and act as if it was the first time he had been to that place. We took three shots, and in all tree shots, we saw a guy following Mamnon. Later we found out that the man was a pick pocket, who thought that Manon Maqsodi really could not find the city. He was not so famous in Afghanistan at that time, and the pick pocket had really thought he found a target.

Farid:
This series became very famous in Afghanistan, what is your own opinion of it.

Nazari:
I can proudly say that everyone, men, women, elders and children, has enjoyed this series and still watch it. There is only a very small group of people who don't have this series in their homes. Also I am honoured that some critics have called this series a box office smash in Afghan cinema.

Farid:
I certainly agree with you about this series. Please tell us about the overall situation in Afghan cinema. From your point of view, what is the position and situation of Afghan cinema right now?

Nazari:
From the point of view of someone who was involved in the film industry for quite a long time and was experienced in his work, I can say that it is a pity that we could not make Afghan cinema the way it should have been made. If the situation had not changed (the civil war) we could have had a professional and stable film industry.
It is sad, but I can still say it with dignity that once we did have a decent film industry we knew our responsibilities and duties, and the films were a mirror image of our people's lives at that time.
We still have talented actors and actresses who can compete with other stars from different countries, but only if we give them the right roles and help them throughout the filming process.

Farid:
As we all have seen these recent years, there have been some new "filmmakers", Who have made new movies, and giving them the name of Afghan cinema. What do you think of these new "filmmakers"?

Nazari:
Once again it is very sad and disappointing that at present people who have less or no idea about film industry try to make films which puts the Afghan film industry down.

They face many difficulties not only needing a good scenario but many other problems. However they still proceed with their films and bring them to the cinema screens.

Farid:
What would you like to tell these new "filmmakers"?

Nazari:
My advice to those people who are interested in acting, filming, directing, etc., who also have the opportunity to become a part of the Afghan film industry; consider learning about the theory and basic knowledge of film making and ask for the advice of experienced individuals to become successful in your career.
One, cannot be the director, write the scenario, act and do most of other works as well. Try to specialise in one part, and I´m sure it will bring success in your career.

Farid:
Thank you very much for giving us your time, and letting us know about all your years of success. I´m very sure that all your fans and also people who got know you have enjoyed this interview. Thank you once again.

I would also like to tell your fans that we will publish Mr. Nazari´s news updates as soon as they are available.

Thank you.