Breaking the Silence: Music in Afghanistan (2008)
All since the Soviet invasion in 1979 musicians have lived under restrictions in Afghanistan, before Mujahedin and Taliban tightened the reins even more. This documentary explores the position of music through more than twenty years of the country’s history. We meet musicians in Afghanistan and in exile, in addition to both believers who reject music and those having it as a central part of their religion.
Director: Simon Broughton
![]() |
Aziz Ghaznawi as Himself - Head of Music Radio & TV Afghanistan |
![]() |
Mashinai as Himself - Musician |
![]() |
Khaled Arman as Himself - Ensemble Kabul |
![]() |
Shiraz Siddiqi as Himself - Kabul Resident |
![]() |
Naqib Ahmad as Himself - Former Mujahidden |
![]() |
Naghma as Herself - Singer |
![]() |
Walayad Khan as Himself - Rubab Maker |
![]() |
Amir Jan as Himself - Musician |
![]() |
Aziza Feroz Afghan as Herself - Singer |
![]() |
Mike Wooldridge as Narrator (voice) |
| Directing | Simon Broughton | Director |
| Production | Carl Simons | Producer |
| Editing | David Charap | Editor |
| Camera | John Beck | Camera Operator |