Afghanistan's Forgotten Cosmonaut: A Documentary Reveals a Hidden Space Achievement
Filmmaker Elham Ehsas explores Afghanistan's little-known 1988 space mission in his documentary 'Forgotten Spaceman,' premiering at the Locarno Film Festival. The film uncovers a startling family connection and aims to highlight a buried chapter of Afghan history. Ehsas, a London-based actor-director, discusses the accidental nature of the project and its significance.
The 1988 flight of Abdul Ahad Momand occurred as Afghanistan neared civil war, a conflict that triggered mass exile and sidelined scientific and cultural achievements. Ehsas stumbled upon this history while developing a fictional space project, discovering that even his own relatives were unaware of the cosmonaut's existence.
The short film, backed by Ken Loach's production company Sixteen Films, will debut at Locarno's international competition on August 9. Ehsas, who directed and edited the piece, notes that making his first documentary taught him to follow the narrative organically rather than force a predetermined structure.
This documentary could reshape how Afghan diaspora communities and broader audiences perceive national history, moving beyond conflict-centric narratives. By highlighting a scientific milestone, it may inspire younger generations to explore overlooked achievements. The film's premiere at a major festival could also elevate Afghan cultural representation in global cinema, potentially encouraging more funding for similar archival projects. However, its impact may be limited by the niche nature of short documentaries, though the personal family connection adds emotional resonance.