DocSpot. OUT OF THE ASHES + panel
In just a few years, the Afghan cricket team has risen from the sport’s lowest ranks to phenomenal success in the highly competitive international arena.
Garnering a ‘Best of the Fest’ nod from Edinburgh this year, this is the remarkable and inspirational story of coach Taj Malik Aleem and his team, who became the sport’s unlikeliest heroes during a triumphant campaign culminating in the crucial World Cup qualifier in South Africa.
Executive prodcued by Oscar-winning director and cricket enthusiast Sam Mendes, Out of the Ashes follows the squad over two years as they go from playing in their shalwar-kameezes on rubble pitches to battling their way around the globe and up the international league tables. In a country more often associated with war and rigged elections, their incredible journey is an absolute joy to behold.
Timothy Albone, Lucy Martens | 2010 | UK | 85 min.
+ Q&A with directors Lucy Martens and Timothy Albone, producer Leslie Knott and Cricketing legend Bill Allen OBE
‘Best of the Fest’, Edinburgh International Film Festival
“Puts a human face to a nation that many have turned their back on…” Sam Mendes, Exec Producer, Out of the Ashes
“Uplifting, fascinating… An intriguing and extremely watchable film.” Screen
“Filmic gold…. Remarkable” Sunday Times
“The real-life contemporary Cinderella story of how Afghanistan’s ragtag cricket team rose up through the sport’s international ranks is charmingly recounted in Brit-made docu….This often humourous pic is ultimately more about people and passion that it is about the game itself.” Variety
Producers: Leslie Knott & Rachel Wexler, Bungalow Town Production Ltd
Barbican, Cinema 1, 18:30
7 December 2010
Tickets: Standard – £8.50 online (£10.50 full price) / Barbican Members – £6.50 online (£8.50 full price) / Concessions £7.50 (subject to availability) BOOK HERE