House of War

An exploration of the extraordinary uprising in northern Afghanistan by Taliban prisoners, near the city of Mazar-I-Sharif in November 2001. Having negotiated surrender with General Rashid Dostum, the Taliban were brought to Mazar to hand over their weapons. Incarcerated in the fortress of Quala-I-Jangi, they were interrogated by two American CIA Agents. The prisoners overpowered their guards, killed one of the Americans (Mike Spann trapped the other) to find themselves in control of the fortress armoury. There ensued a spectacular three-day gun battle punctuated by US air strikes and a desperate race against time. By the end of the fighting at least 350 Taliban lay dead. However, 3 days later, out of the ruins of the fortress basement 86 starving men emerged, including the American Taliban, John Walker.

Awards:

A Diverse Ltd Production

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