Jirga is defined as a tribal council, in Afghanistan.
Jirga is a powerful depiction of an Australian soldier Mike, played by Sam Smith, who in his search for forgiveness finds himself in a village in Afghanistan, where three years prior he stood on the same ground and shot an unarmed civilian.
The film features stunning cinematography. The road trip that Mike goes on to find the village where the civilian man was shot, shows spectacular views of rocky cliffs and surrounds. Mike's driver also has a musical flair, whilst driving he listens to music from his culture, soon after switching it off instead to start singing and tapping his own beat on the driving wheel. Again, we see shots of the beautiful, impossible surrounds of cliffs, with water below, lush and clear blue.
When Mike asks to go closer toward the village, the playful chemistry between him and his driver dies down. Mike's driver refuses, again and again, saying that it is too dangerous. Mike insists, and eventually, by giving him a large sum of cash, his driver accepts. When driven closer to the village, the Taliban approach the vehicle, and through his driver's exclamations, Mike runs out and slides down a rocky cliff face to hide from them. This is where his journey really begins, and where we learn how far Smith's character is prepared to go to seek forgiveness and heal internal scars.
The film grapples with ideas and questions often not explored in war films. It makes you question what you already know, and although Mike becomes a hostage at one point, he is still treated with hospitality and respect upon his captors learning he is going back to the village in order to ask for forgiveness.
Jirga, presented as part of the 2018 Brisbane International Film Festival, is a film that has raised a lot of interest. Audiences gathered to see this film at The Elizabeth Picture Theatre on October 13th, with every last seat in the cinema filled. There was a discussion after the film screening where audiences were able to gain insight into the challenges the film crew came across while in production and how they ultimately ended up shooting in Afghanistan.
The Q&A panel included producer John Maynard, writer/director Benjamin Gilmour and actor Sam Smith. It was excellent to hear from all of them and there were plenty of intrigued viewers that asked questions in regards to authenticity and representation. There were individuals that were locals and those involved in the army, which thanked the cast and crew for making the film. There was also mention of the representations of the Taliban and locals in Afghanistan, and their ability to be hospitable with a culture of forgiveness and acceptance.
Jirga leaves the audience with an ultimate question, to forgive or to seek revenge? Mike soon learns which is more powerful. Be sure to catch the next screening on October 19th at Reading Cinemas Newmarket of this very special, and moving piece of cinema.
Brisbane International Film Festival
11th - 21st October
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By: Joanna Letic