Followed by a Q&A with Director Tim Albone and Afghan Cricket Coach Taj Malik. An inspirational documentary following the extraordinary quest of the Afghan cricket team to qualify for the 2011 World Cup. Against a backdrop of war and poverty, Out of the Ashes, traces the remarkable journey of a team of young Afghans as they chase a seemingly impossible dream - shedding new light on a nation beyond burqas, bombs, drugs and devastation.

 

Backed by BBC Storyville and Executive Produced by Oscar-winning director and cricket fan, Sam Mendes, the film follows the Afghan cricket squad over two years as they go from playing in their shalwar-kameezes on rubble pitches to batting their way around the globe and up the international league tables.

 

At a time when headlines from Afghanistan are dominated by news of death and corruption, the film reveals a more human side to this beleaguered country which has been occupied almost continuously for three decades. The film travels from refugee camps in Pakistan - where many of the players learned the game as boys - to practice sessions in Kabul and on to qualifying tournaments overseas.

 

Finally they reach the World Cup qualifier in South Africa where they willll face their greatest test... With unrestricted behind-the-scenes access at international matches, the film follows the ups and downs of their epic journey. Witty, touching and nail-biting to the end, Out of the Ashes is a compelling story of triumph over adversity.

 

 

MORE DETAILS: FRONTLINE

 

CREDITS:

Directors: Timothy Albone, Lucy Martens

Producers: Leslie Knott, Rachel Wexler

Exec Producers: Greg Sanderson, Tom Roberts, Sam Mendes

Editor: Gregor Lyon

DoP: Lucy Martens, Timothy Albone

Music: Andrew Phillips