The Last Torch: Singing for Afghanistan

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has restricted women's freedoms' stripping them off their basic human rights. Girls and women have protested, but faced a massive crackdown. This film follows two sisters who start a movement called 'The Last Torch' from the secret of their home to defy the Taliban with the power of their voice. The Last Torch got its inspiration from the women protesting across the country and emerged shortly after the Taliban's takeover of power. The BBC's Kawoon Khamoosh has followed them as they risk their lives to fight for freedom. It features three generations of female musicians who have been resisting the restrictions opposed on them by various regimes in a deeply conservative society. Farida Mahwash is the only female singer who achieved the title of Ustadi (maestro), and speaks about opportunities and challenge for female musician since the 70s, and Sonita Alizada, one of the first female rappers from Afghanistan, has been using her stage to challenge the society and traditional values restricting women and girls.