Tell Spring Not to Come This Year

Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is an intensely thought-provoking documentary that was launched in 2015. It is a product of co-direction by the accomplished duo, Saeed Taji Farouky and Michael McEvoy. This cinematic masterpiece is an in-depth exploration of the reality faced by the Afghan National Army (ANA) as they grapple with the harsh realities of a war that seems never-ending.

Essentially, the film provides a humanistic portrait of the people who are on the ground when the world’s major powers decide to wage war. It aims to present these grim realities from the perspective of the Afghan soldiers themselves, thereby offering the audience a glimpse into their raw experiences. These soldiers are more often than not overlooked by the global media, which tends to focus on the strategies of the supposed superpowers and the often complex politics at play.

The documentary specifically focuses on a unit of the ANA that is based in Helmand, a province that has seen more than its fair share of bloody conflict. The film begins its tale with the drawdown of American troops in 2014, which resulted in the ANA taking full responsibility for Afghanistan's security. This transition led to the ANA becoming the primary target of the Taliban and other active insurgent groups in Afghanistan.

Focusing on two soldiers, Tell Spring Not to Come This Year captures their personal struggles, fears, doubts, and sense of duty, offering an intimate experience that military films often do not encompass. It is not just a depiction of the horrors of war but also a profound look into the lives of these men beyond their duty as soldiers. The film skillfully meshes the personal narratives of the soldiers with the broad strokes of history unfolding around them; thereby, the audience is given a palpable sense of the physical and emotional toll that this war has exerted on the Afghan people.

The cinematic techniques used in this documentary also deserve to be commended. The filmmakers have adopted a raw, verite style: largely unscripted, spontaneous, on-time with the action. The cinematography in Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is striking, contrasting the starkly beautiful landscapes of Afghanistan with the destruction caused by the conflict, thereby highlighting the destructive nature of war and the invoked tragedy vividly.

Moreover, the film is embedded with an emotive soundtrack that underscores the gravity of the situations and stories unfolding on screen. The score reinforces the emotions felt during the viewing experience, enhancing the film's potency and impact. The release of this documentary has added a visually engaging and emotionally driven narrative to the conversation about war-torn regions.

While Tell Spring Not to Come This Year is an emotionally hefty watch, it is an important film that sheds light on the often-overlooked narratives of war. The focus here is not on politics, geopolitical strategies, or diplomatic measures—instead, it implores the viewer to confront the human cost of decades-long warfare, giving a face and a voice to the thousands of people who have borne the brunt of hostilities.

Further, it offers a critical examination of the international fight against insurgency and terrorism, critiquing it from within. By focusing on the perspectives of the Afghan soldiers, who often feel abandoned and caught up in circumstances beyond their control, the film provokes the audience to think about the larger implications of this scenario.

Overall, Tell Spring Not to Come This Year provides a raw and authentic glimpse into the frontline realities of the Afghan National Army. It is a powerfully honest and empathetic portrayal of individuals on the edge of their existence, fighting for their homeland against all odds. The film offers its audience a valuable insight into the realities of war and sheds light on the individual experiences that often get lost in the broader political and military narratives. The documentary succeeds as a poignant and moving record of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, affected by the geopolitical decisions of foreign powers.