Peshawar Rubab

The master musicians of the rubab, once respected artists of their community, suddenly found themselves unwelcome overnight, and had to flee to the neighbouring country of Pakistan, fearful for their lives.

The Taliban interpretation of Islam, ruling Afghanistan today, does not recognize art as a permissible form of expression, including traditional Afghani music. The Rubab is the traditional Afghani string-instrument, and one that can be only found in this part of the world. The master musicians of the rubab, once respected artists of their community, suddenly found themselves unwelcome overnight, and had to flee to the neighbouring country of Pakistan, fearful for their lives. Having arrived in Peshawar, they founded an artist colony, where different schools of musicians gather regularly to practice their craft. In each room of this unique building, a specific style of Rubab playing is cultivated, in an incomparable effort to preserve the Afghani culture.

''Peshawar Rubab'' is an episode from the documentary series ''Silent Voices''.

Daniel_ridicki

Danijel Riđički

Author of documentary TV series and numerous documentary films on social and cultural issues of India and Pakistan.
Original title: Peshawar Rubab
Year of production: 2002.
Screening time: 26'
Format: DV
Production: Syncope, Factum
Co-financiers: British Fund for Civilian Initiative, Department for International Development
Written and directed by: Danijel Riđički
Produced by: Daniel Riđički, Nenad Puhovski
Associate producers: Branka Škifić Riđički i Arieb Azhar
Cinematography by: Daniel Riđički
Edited by: Davorka Feller
Original score: Srđan Sacher
Production assistant: Dana Budisavljević

Festivals & Awards:

Days of Croatian Film 2002