THE LAND OF THE ENLIGHTENED Director: Pieter-Jan De Pue 87 mins, Belgium-Ireland-Netherlands-Germany-Afghanistan, 2016, Digital, Subtitled Book cinema tickets This film was released 11th November 2016, and is no longer screening. This intriguing drama-documentary hybrid takes us on a cinematic odyssey into the heart of wartormented Afghanistan. Shot on 16mm film over seven years, first-time director Pieter-Jan De Pue paints a whimsical yet haunting picture of the country at a time of flux. As American soldiers prepare to leave after years of occupation, young boys form wild gangs to control trade routes and deal in explosives, drugs and precious stones. Their thoughts and dreams of a brighter, calmer future when the Americans withdraw are voiced throughout. De Pue burrows deep into this war-torn country to create a vivid blend of romance and harsh realism, a testament to the unquenchable spirit of childhood and the extreme resilience of a people and country. (Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn.) There will be a Q&A session with director Pieter-Jan De Pue following the screening on November 11th at 18.20. Don’t forget we now schedule weekly. Director: Pieter-Jan De Pue 87 mins, Belgium-Ireland-Netherlands-Germany-Afghanistan, 2016, Digital, Subtitled