projects/films
Afghanistan Night Stories
2025-2014
Director / Editor: Alka Sadat A story of war, love, life and death, it is an unprecedented look at these elite fighters, and the hopes and dreams they have rarely spoken of until now.
Half Value Life
2008
Writer/Director/Camer: Alka SadatAmid the threats of criminals, mafia networks, and narcotics traffickers, Marya Bashir stands as Afghanistan’s first female public prosecutor. In a justice system overshadowed by corruption and intimidation, she fearlessly prosecutes cases of violence against women—challenging powerful men and deeply rooted traditions.
Writer/ Director/ Editor & Cinematographer: Alka SadatA documentary centered on a survivor of sexual violence, examining resilience, justice, and the meaning of freedom for women.
Broadcast on: Omrop Fryslân & NPO 2 (The Netherlands)
The Sharp Edge of Peace
2024
The Sharp Edge of Peace is a feature-length documentary that follows the only women on the Afghan government negotiating team as they navigate the hard road to peace and broker a shared political structure with the Taliban. A population exhausted by decades of armed conflict might accept peace at any price, but women don't want to see an agreement that costs them their hard-earned gains for equality. Afghanistan's wars have been global conflicts for decades, and the current negotiation is no different. The number of stakeholders is high, and each has its own objective. In a situation, this complex, the only way to get to peace will be with everyone at the table.
Producer: Alka Sadat
Script Supervisor: Alka SadatSima’s Song
2023
Suraya, a communist, Sima, a conservative, whose friendship endures despite radically opposing political views.
Writer/Directed/Camera: Alka SadatI Spit Myself Onto A Page is a short that centers on Afghan poet and activist Somaia Ramish. Through her powerful poetry and personal reflections, the film explores themes of exile, identity, memory, and the resilience of artistic expression in the face of displacement.
Fleur op 'e Flecht
2017
Directed: Alka SadatSmile in Exile, part of the Fryslân Dok series, follows Afghan refugee children living in the Netherlands as they try to build a new life. While they learn the language, attend school, and form friendships, some face the threat of deportation and an uncertain future. The film offers an intimate portrait of childhood in exile, revealing both resilience and the emotional toll of displacement.
watch this film online
After 35 Years
2011
Directed/Camera: Alka SadatAfter 35 years of war, Afghanistan has one of the highest rates of domestic violence and a judicial system that severely lacks in just family law. On top of which, those working tirelessly for reform face severe opposition from conservatives.
After 35 Years was an official selection of the 2011 WVN Online Film Festival and received an award in the Narrative Shorts category.
Watch the film online
Directed/Alka SadatThe UNAMA Documentary Series was produced for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to highlight critical human rights and social justice issues in Afghanistan. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Alka Sadat, the series brings urgent national conversations to the screen through powerful storytelling and in-depth reporting.
read more about it
Kabul Sea 2010
Directed/camre/Alka SadatA short documentary was created for Colors Magazine in Italy. It explores the Kabul River, which flows through the heart of Kabul city. Locals call it the “Kabul Sea,” although it is not actually a sea. I made this film during my studies in Italy as part of my collaboration with Colors Magazine, capturing everyday life and the urban atmosphere of Kabul in a simple yet impactful way.
Untitled Film on Mohsen Namjoo – Director 2009
Directed/camre/edit:Alka Sadat Kabul Sea – Director
Short documentary for Colors Magazine, Italy
A Woman Sings in the Desert – Director
Directed/camre/edit:Alka Sadat Earned scholarship from Fabrica for outstanding work
1,2,3? 2007
Directed/camre: Alka Sadat Awarded at International Trevignano Film Festival (Italy), Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival, and Almaty Film Festival (Kazakhstan
First Number
Directed/camre/:Alka Sadat Winner of the Afghan Peace Prize
Sadat’s debut documentary Winner of the Afghan Peace Prize
Sadat’s debut documentaryFirst Number
Directed/camre/:Alka Sadat Winner of the Afghan Peace Prize
Sadat’s debut documentary Winner of the Afghan Peace Prize
Sadat’s debut documentary