Documentary—A Kabul Music Diary

Salam,

This is a special screening dedicated to the work of John Baily, Emeritus Professor of Ethnomusicology and the former Head of the Afghanistan Music Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London.

John has been closely connected to the music of Afghanistan since 1973, and his contribution to the field has shaped how Afghan musical heritage is studied, taught, and understood.

The film follows John’s return to Kabul a few months after the fall of the Taliban to observe how music was re-emerging in public life. The film documents a range of musical expressions — from traditional rubab performances to a student pop group experimenting with electronic instruments. Beyond its observational richness, the film captures a moment of cultural reawakening under shifting political realities. Showing this work now feels especially important as it reminds us of the fragility and resilience of cultural practice, and of the role film can play in witnessing, remembering, and honouring forms of expression that are once again under threat.

Doors will open at 5.30pm, this will be an opportunity to meet before the film starts at 6pm. The screening (52 minutes) will be followed by a Q&A moderated by André Singer. We’ll linger around after the documentary to share impressions.

This film event is organised in partnership with the Afghanistan Society. Further details and registration link:

https://raifilm.org.uk/events/a-kabul-music-diary-film-screening-and-conversation/