Ghosts of Afghanistan
an award-winning documentary reveals what went wrong in the "forever war"
As the Taliban swept back to power in Afghanistan, a Galafilm/TVO Original documentary offers a first-hand account of NATO’s failed attempt to bring democracy, women’s rights and freedoms to the country. Former Globe and Mail Canadian war correspondent Graeme Smith takes viewers on a quest to uncover the hope and tragedy of the world’s deadliest conflict.
Directed by Julian Sher
Written by Julian Sher, Graeme Smith and Natalie Dubois
Edited by Susan Shanks
Produced by Natalie Dubois
Director of Photography: Iqbal Sapand
Executive Producer: Arnie Gelbart, Galafilm
WINNER OF THREE TOP AWARDS FROM THE ACADEMY OF CANADIAN CINEMA AND TV (CANADA'S EQUIVALENT OF THE OSCARS AND THE EMMYS) FOR:
** BEST DOCUMENTARY
** BEST WRITING
** BEST EDITING
watch the documentary:
Galafilm/TVO Original 90-minute version on Youtube (Geo-fenced, Canada only)
Watch the 60-minute version on Al-Arabiya (available world-wide)
read more about the film:
"Haunted by the Ghost of Afghanistan" Toronto Star Sept. 5, 2021
“In their timely new film, journalists Julian Sher and Graeme Smith examine the Ghosts of Afghanistan” Globe and Mail, Sept. 9, 2021:
A "heartbreaking" movie that "will make you rethink and offers fresh insights" Globe and Mail review, September 9, 2021
On radio:
Listen to Graeme Smith on CBC Radio’s The Current, September 8, 2021
CBC Radio Ideas Sept 8, 2021 Listen to the one-hour audio version
Watch the TV interviews:
Meet the director of Ghosts of Afghanistan CH Breakfast Television, August 24, 2021
Taliban takeover of Afghanistan concerns longtime journalists CBC The National August 20, 2021
Graeme Smith on TVO's The Agenda September 8, 2021
Read about helping Afghan journalists fighting for freedom:
How many more people will become the ‘Ghosts of Afghanistan’?
Globe and Mail, April 7, 2022
Afghan refugees are being unfairly blocked from coming to Canada
Globe and Mail, November 1, 2021
'Be silent for a moment so we Afghans can scream our pain’: those left behind by West’s retreat speak out
Toronto Star, September 5, 2021