“Riverboom” travels back in time and jumps back twenty years. Accompanied by a journalist, a photographer and a typographer, he retraces September 11 and its consequences for Afghanistan.
(A review by Michael Gasch, adapted from German)
In 2002, southern Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous regions in the world. But that doesn’t stop Paolo Woods, Serge Morialist and Claude Baechtold from going there. Crossing deserts, minefields and cultural centers, they meet warlords and heavily armed groups, meticulously documenting this reality. However, their recordings were lost — until their recent rediscovery, twenty years later, ready to be brought to the screen.
«Riverboom» by Claude Baechtold
© First Hand Films
2024 has already seen the theatrical release of the blockbuster “Civil War” and the biopic “Lee Miller”. Each in their own way, these two stories present the various faces of war journalism. Today, it is the turn of “Riverboom” to offer a new perspective on this high-risk job thanks to its documentary format. And beyond the fields of poppies and cannabis, through the ruins and the great Afghan cities, it tells a story much larger than that of war and the so-called “Pax Americana”.
Although twenty years have passed since the events recounted in the film, they still remain relevant. Illustrated by striking images, they also raise interesting thoughts. Thus, “Riverboom” digs into the meaning of the term “crisis center” and the ways in which it manifests itself. An intriguing conversation that the documentary accompanies with a touch of deadpan humor. And our adventurers declare: “In Afghanistan, we trust the traveler more than our own neighbor – the opposite of Switzerland.”
3,5/5★
Since October 30 in cinemas.
More information on “Riverboom”
Trailer for “Riverboom”
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