Filmmaker Elham Ehsas Wants You to Know Afghanistan Sent a Man to Space in 1988

In a shocking revelation, a new film is set to premiere at the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, shedding light on a long-forgotten chapter in Afghanistan's history. The film, titled Forgotten Spaceman, tells the story of Abdul Ahad Momand, the first Afghan cosmonaut who traveled to space in 1988. This remarkable achievement not only made Afghanistan a pioneer in space exploration but also made Pashto the fourth language ever spoken beyond Earth.

Background & Context

Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage and its contributions to various fields, including science, have often been overshadowed by the country's tumultuous past. The civil war that ravaged the nation in the late 1980s forced millions of Afghans into exile, leaving a lasting impact on the country's narrative. This has resulted in the erasure of significant events and achievements, such as the country's space program.

The timing of Abdul Ahad Momand's spaceflight coincided with the onset of the civil war, which ultimately led to the country's story being shaped by conflict, exile, and diaspora. As a result, science, culture, and ideas have been pushed to the margins, leaving behind a fragmented and silenced nation.

Key Details

Forgotten Spaceman, directed by Elham Ehsas, is a short film that blends documentary and essay elements to uncover the story of Abdul Ahad Momand and his family's connection to the space program. Ehsas, a London-based Afghan filmmaker and actor, was researching a short fiction film about space when he stumbled upon Momand's remarkable achievement. Intrigued by the story, Ehsas delved deeper and discovered a surprising link between Afghanistan's space history and his own family's past.

"I was researching a short fiction film about space, and then I came across Abdul Ahad Momand, and I was like, 'Who is this guy? How is it possible that we have an Afghan cosmonaut who went to space?'" Ehsas explained in an interview. "He put Afghanistan on the map in 1988. When he called his mom, Pashto became the fourth language ever spoken in space. It's Russian, English, Mandarin, and Pashto. And it just blew my mind."

Ehsas's film not only highlights the significance of Abdul Ahad Momand's achievement but also explores the shadows of colonialism and the memory of a fractured and silenced nation. The short film executive produced by Catherine Tschaepe and Jack Thomas-O'Brien of Ken Loach's Sixteen Films, which backed the film. World sales and festivals are being handled by María Vera of Kino Rebelde.

What Experts Say

Elham Ehsas's film is a testament to the importance of preserving and promoting Afghanistan's history, particularly in the context of the country's space program. By shedding light on this forgotten chapter, Forgotten Spaceman offers a unique perspective on the country's narrative, highlighting the contributions of Afghan scientists, engineers, and innovators. The film also underscores the significance of language and culture in shaping a nation's identity.

"The story of Afghanistan's spaceman is a powerful reminder of the country's rich cultural heritage and its contributions to various fields, including science," said Dr. Farida Jalalzai, a leading expert on Afghan studies. "By uncovering this hidden chapter in history, Forgotten Spaceman offers a unique opportunity to reexamine the country's narrative and promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of Afghanistan's story."

Key Takeaways

• Abdul Ahad Momand, the first Afghan cosmonaut, traveled to space in 1988, making Afghanistan a pioneer in space exploration.
• Pashto became the fourth language ever spoken beyond Earth, highlighting the importance of language and culture in shaping a nation's identity.
• The story of Afghanistan's spaceman is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and its contributions to various fields, including science.
• Forgotten Spaceman offers a unique perspective on the country's narrative, highlighting the shadows of colonialism and the memory of a fractured and silenced nation.

What This Means For You

The story of Abdul Ahad Momand and Afghanistan's space program serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting a nation's history, particularly in the context of science and innovation. By shedding light on this forgotten chapter, Forgotten Spaceman offers a unique opportunity to reexamine the country's narrative and promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of Afghanistan's story.

This means that everyday readers can benefit from learning about this hidden chapter in history, which can help to foster a greater appreciation for the contributions of Afghan scientists, engineers, and innovators. By promoting a more nuanced understanding of Afghanistan's story, we can work towards a more inclusive and diverse representation of the country's history and culture.

As Elham Ehsas's film shows, the story of Afghanistan's spaceman is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting a nation's history. By uncovering this hidden chapter, we can work towards a more inclusive and diverse understanding of Afghanistan's story, highlighting the contributions of Afghan scientists, engineers, and innovators, and promoting a greater appreciation for the country's rich cultural heritage.