MINA WALKING (Yosef Baraki, Afghanistan/Canada). 110 minutes. Rating: NNN
Canadian writer/director Baraki’s first feature is a vérité drama about a 12-year-old girl (Farzana Nawabi) caring for her disintegrating family in present-day Kabul. Except for her occasional visits to school, life is a constant hustle as she attempts to earn money and avoid those who would do her harm.
Shooting on location with a largely non-professional cast – Marina Golbahari, of Osama and Act Of Dishonour, appears in a small role as a teacher – Baraki creates an atmosphere of constant jittery tension. The camera darts around nervously as if it’s trying to keep a low profile.
The narrative trajectory is a little familiar, but Nawabi’s steely performance will keep you invested in Mina’s plight.