‘A love letter to all the good men I know’: Shahrbanoo Sadat on making Afghanistan’s first romcom | Berlin film festival 2026
A film described as “Afghanistan’s first romantic comedy” is set to open the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on Thursday. The daring and genre-bending movie, No Good Men, marks a significant moment for Afghan cinema and its director, Shahrbanoo Sadat, placing her alongside acclaimed filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers who have previously opened the festival.
A Story Rooted in Tumultuous Times
No Good Men, written, directed and starring the 35-year-old Sadat, centers on a blossoming love affair within a Kabul newsroom. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 and the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan. Sadat’s journey to bring this film to fruition was itself marked by upheaval, including being stranded during the pandemic and ultimately being evacuated from Kabul as the city fell to the Taliban.
The film is intended as a tribute to the resilience and joy found by individuals amidst violence and repression. Sadat explained that she wanted to portray a side of Afghanistan often absent from international cinema – one filled with humor, romance, and the everyday realities of life.
Challenging Stereotypes
Sadat noted that Afghanistan lacks a developed film industry and is frequently depicted through the lens of war and conflict by international filmmakers. She deliberately set out to counter this trend with a film that embraces fun and frank sexuality, challenging Western stereotypes. The film’s protagonist, Naru, played by Sadat, is a camerawoman navigating personal challenges – a separation and custody battle – while working at a Kabul TV station.
Naru’s assignment to cover a Valentine’s Day feature allows her to capture candid perspectives on relationships, and her talent is recognised by Qodrat, a prominent journalist who begins to collaborate with her in the field. Their work together captures the final moments of relative freedom in Kabul, and a connection develops between them.
Sadat aims to depict strong, self-sufficient urban women and to challenge the tendency to solely blame the Taliban for the oppression of women, acknowledging the pre-existing patriarchal structures that persisted even during the Western occupation. The film includes scenes, such as a gift of a sex toy from an Afghan-American friend, and a passionate kiss, that are unprecedented in Afghan cinema.
Overcoming Obstacles to Production
Securing funding for No Good Men proved difficult, with some European film institutes initially hesitant to support a comedy given the ongoing struggles of Afghan women. Sadat described the situation as ironic, stating she felt offended by the implication that her project was inappropriate. She ultimately secured funding from various European sources and filmed the movie in Germany with an all-Afghan cast.
Berlin Film Festival director Tricia Tuttle selected No Good Men as the opening film, recognising Sadat as an exciting voice in world cinema and acknowledging the risks she took to bring the project to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of No Good Men?
The film explores themes of love, connection, and finding joy amidst turmoil and repression in Afghanistan, challenging stereotypical depictions of the country.
What challenges did Shahrbanoo Sadat face while making the film?
Sadat faced challenges including being stranded during the pandemic, witnessing the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, and securing funding for a comedy set against a backdrop of political upheaval.
What makes No Good Men unique in the context of Afghan cinema?
The film is described as Afghanistan’s first romantic comedy and includes scenes of frank sexuality and a passionate kiss that are unprecedented in Afghan cinema.
Will No Good Men resonate with audiences in Afghanistan, given its potentially controversial content?