Film Lens
Smiling in a War Zone, also known as Flying Down to Kabul, is a documentary film by Simone Aaberg Kærn that follows her flight from Denmark to Afghanistan to help a young girl named Farial pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. The film was shot in 2002 and released in 2006, capturing Kærn's journey as she navigates flight-restricted areas and cultural barriers to provide an experience of freedom in the skies.
Kærn, inspired by her previous work on Women Airforce Service Pilots, obtained a flying license and purchased a 1961 Piper Colt to undertake this mission. The film includes encounters with female fighter pilots in Turkey and shows the complexities of cultural differences that ultimately prevent Farial from advancing in her aviation aspirations.
Why Watch
- •Meet Farial, a 16-year-old aspiring pilot in Kabul.
- •See Kærn's encounters with female fighter pilots in Turkey.
- •Find out about the cultural barriers Farial faced.
Did You Know
•The film was released on September 14, 2006.
•Kærn flew 6,000 km to Kabul to meet Farial, a 16-year-old girl.
•On day 77, Kærn and her partner crossed the border into Herat without NATO authorization.
•Kærn's trip included a 3-month journey through flight-restricted Balkan airspace.
Perfect For
Aviation enthusiastsWomen's rights advocatesDocumentary lovers