Enemies of Happiness

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Friday Night Docs by Cinema Politica Fredericton
Friday October 26, 2007
Screening begins 19h00
Venue: Conserver House, 180 St. John St., Fredericton

Denmark / 2007 / 59 min

ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS is a film about personal courage ­ courage to change the world and the courage to stand in the forefront of this battle. Malalai Joya is a 28 year-old woman from Afghanistan. This film follows her parliamentary campaign to her election as a delegate in Wolesi Jirga, or National Assembly. It is the first democratic parliament election in Afghanistan in over 30 years. Surrounded by security, Malalai Joya spreads her political beliefs despite several death threats. There have been 4 attempts against her life. It all began in 2003, when the Afghanistan politicians met to lay the foundation for a democracy in “new” Afghanistan. At this meeting, Malalai Joya challenged former Mujahidin leaders (Warlords), who according to her, attempt to maintain power through the new system. “Many of you here in this hall have blood on your hands and you should be tried in the world court.” Her comments ignited outrage among the hard-liners who demanded that she be immediately removed from the sessions. It is her courage and conviction which has made her into a folk hero. But since that fateful day, her life has been in danger. She has been threatened by the very same warlords she challenges. She is forced to live in hiding and when she is in public, she must be protected by armed guards. Follow Malalai Joya in her attempt to be elected in the first elections since the US-led invasion of 2001. Discussion with the Fredericton Peace Coalition.

Directed by Eva Mulvad and Anja Al-Erhayem.

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