God's Open Hand

This film charts the course of fledgling democracy in Afghanistan with a focus on Afghanistan's historic first presidential election as seen through the eyes of the Afghan people, as well as the major presidential candidates and western observers. The film features interviews with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, presidential candidates Younis Qanooni, Homayoun Assefy and Afghanistan's only female candidate Dr. Massouda Jalal. Also included are western observers Reginald Austin Director of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan and exclusive interviews with leaders of Revolutionary Association of Women of Afghanistan (RAWA). The most compelling voices of this documentary come from the Afghan people, desperate for a leader who can unify and rebuild their shattered country, struggling to understand western style democracy, longing for peace and stability in a land that has known only war and oppression. God's Open Hand begins in the weeks leading up to election day as tensions mount from threats of Taliban and Al Qaeda attacks, rumors of backroom deals, American influence and voter intimidation from candidates and insurgents. Culminating in an election day riddled with problems, this film presents the viewer with an open and balanced look at Afghanistan's troubled first attempt at democracy.