Afghanistan5 Essential Films from AfghanistanStop 3 of 5

The Orphanage

Name: The Orphanage
Released: 2019

پرورشگاه

2019

In early-1990s Kabul, still under Soviet influence, a resourceful teenage boy who scrapes by scalping cinema tickets is sent to live in a state orphanage. There he navigates friendship and authority while escaping into vivid daydreams staged like the Bollywood movies he loves. A bittersweet coming-of-age story.

Return to the complete list Film notes Watch options

Part of 5 Essential Films from Afghanistan

This film is stop 3 of 5 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through Afghanistan. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

Watching this film stamps Afghanistan in the 196 country film challenge.