In 1996, the Taliban (dicks) made dancing and singing and television illegal in Afghanistan. The restrictions were lifted in 2004, and the Afghan people are now officially bonkers for Afghan Star, a televised talent competition à la American Idol. But unlike our version, which is mostly about narcissistic closet cases and Paula Abdul's pill drool, Afghan Star actually means something in such an ethnically fractionated and democratically starved nation. "The people vote for their favorite star by mobile phone. For many young people, this is the first time they have encountered democracy," says one producer. "This might affect Afghanistan's national unity for the long term." Media is important. (See Movie Times: thestranger.com/film