‘A love letter to all the good men I know’: Shahrbanoo Sadat on making Afghanistan’s first romcom

Director Shahrbanoo Sadat made history during the opening night of the Berlin Film Festival in early 2026 by premiering her latest work, No Good Men, a film billed as Afghanistan’s first-ever romantic comedy. Set in Kabul during the tense months leading up to the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the film aims to redefine the global perception of Afghan life by focusing on themes of love, humor, and female agency. Sadat, who previously won the top prize at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, used the high-profile platform in Germany to showcase a side of her homeland that is often overshadowed by news of conflict and tragedy. The narrative of No Good Men provides a poignant blend of romance and rebellion, following characters who search for connection and joy despite the looming shadow of political collapse. The director described the project as a "love letter" to the supportive and kind men she has known, intentionally subverting the standard cinematic tropes that often depict Afghan men solely through the lens of violence or patriarchy. By documenting the vibrant social life and lighthearted moments of Kabul residents on the eve of the regime change, Sadat offers a vital cultural archive of a time when personal freedom and modern romance were still tangible realities for the youth of the city. Securing funding and international interest for a romantic comedy set in a war-torn region proved to be a significant challenge, as Sadat noted that industry expectations often lean toward grim humanitarian dramas. However, the film's selection as the Berlinale opener underscores a growing appetite for complex, character-driven stories from the Middle East and Central Asia. Beyond its artistic merits, No Good Men serves as a powerful political statement, asserting that the desire for love and laughter is a universal human right that persists even in the face of radical fundamentalism and exile.