KABUL: BBC ACQUIRES FACTUAL DRAMA BASED ON 2021 WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

The BBC has acquired Kabul, a six-part fictional drama set against the backdrop of the real-life events of August 2021 in Afghanistan, from Mediawan Rights. Produced by 24 25 Films, a Mediawan Company and Cinétévé, in collaboration with the European Alliance, the series will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 2 August and begins on BBC Four at 9:00pm, Saturday 15 August.

Kabul, August 15, 2021. As American troops withdraw, the Taliban enter the city. The Nazany family, like many civilians, is forced to flee, fearing retaliation. In this desperate and chaotic situation - shadowed by the looming threat of an attack by ISIS - French police officers, Italian diplomats, German military personnel, and American intelligence services must somehow coordinate to manage the influx of civilians.

How will each of them manage to save their own lives? The countdown has begun.The international cast includes Darina Al Joundi (The New Look), Shervin Alenabi (Tehran), Vassilis Koukalani (Kandahar), Hannah Abdoh, Jonathan Zaccaï (Le bureau des legends), Gianmarco Saurino (L’estate piu Calda), Jeanne Goursaud (Pax Massilia) and Eric Dane (Euphoria).

Nick Lee, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “Kabul is a tragedy of the highest stakes. A warzone story which is propelled by the real ticking clock of the evacuation that was just five years ago this summer. Global politics remain complex, but Kabul dramatises the biggest view of history through the smallest window of a human family.”

Robyn Hurd, SVP UK & Scandinavia Sales and Coproductions at Mediawan Rights, said: “We’re delighted that this important series will be available to UK audiences on the BBC. Kabul is a powerful and deeply human story, brought to life by an exceptional creative team, set against events that continue to resonate on the world stage. It’s exactly the kind of ambitious, distinctive storytelling we’re proud to represent, and we’re thrilled to see it find a home with the BBC.”

Kabul was directed by Kasia Adamik (No Escape) and Olga Chajdas (Imago) and written by Olivier Demangel (Class Act), Thomas Finkielkraut (Baron Noir) and Joey Lavy (The Shift). The series was produced by Fabienne Servan-Schreiber and Charlotte Ortiz at Cinétévé, Matthias Weber and Thibault Gast at 24 25 Films, and executive produced by Sandrine Paquot. Global sales are handled by Mediawan Rights.