NOTHINGWOOD

Salim Shaheen is a force of nature whose imposing body instantly dominates the screen. He’s a movie lover who lives for the countless films he produces, writes, directs and stars in, preferably playing the role of an invincible hero. The uncontested king of Z movies in Afghanistan, Shaheen fights his country’s many real-life horrors with movie magic, cranking out 10 movies a year. With well-balanced fascination and critical distance, Sonia Kronlund captures the larger-than-life personality of the self-taught artist, businessman, master bullshitter and great unifier. This nuanced portrait pays tribute to Shaheen’s courage, as well as his madness and his grasp of the fine line between fiction and reality in a country where every day brings a fresh tragedy.