The Forgotten Hero of Afghanistan’s Space Era

Afghanistan’s history is a complex and often overlooked chapter in the country’s narrative. Amidst the conflict, exile, and diaspora that have defined Afghanistan for centuries, one remarkable achievement stands out: Abdul Ahad Momand’s historic spaceflight in 1988.

Despite being the first Afghan to venture into space, Momand remains a largely forgotten figure. The reasons for this omission are multifaceted. His flight coincided with Afghanistan’s descent into civil war, which forced millions of Afghans into exile and relegated science and culture to the periphery of national discourse. As a result, Momand’s achievement has been marginalized in Afghan history.

London-based filmmaker and actor Elham Ehsas is attempting to rectify this oversight with his short film Forgotten Spaceman. This documentary-essay hybrid blends personal narrative, historical context, and family secrets to tell the story of Afghanistan’s space program and its forgotten hero. Through Ehsas’ lens, we gain insight into the complex web of colonialism, memory, and identity that shapes Afghanistan’s past.

Ehsas’ journey to create Forgotten Spaceman began when he discovered his own connection to Momand while researching an unrelated project. As he delved deeper into the story, Ehsas uncovered a surprising link between Afghanistan’s space history and his family’s past.

The film’s narrative is characterized by serendipity, as Ehsas’ initial intention to create a fiction piece about space gradually gave way to a documentary exploration of Momand’s life. Through a combination of personal interviews, archival footage, and historical context, Forgotten Spaceman presents a nuanced portrayal of Afghanistan’s complex history.

The film uses family footage and official broadcasts from the time to add depth and texture to the narrative, highlighting the tension between national pride and individual experiences during a tumultuous period in Afghan history. Ehsas’ decision to prioritize the personal over the national lends an intimacy to the film that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

Forgotten Spaceman serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history. By reclaiming Afghanistan’s forgotten space era, Ehsas sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of the country’s past, while also highlighting the enduring legacy of colonialism and displacement that continues to shape Afghan identity.

The film’s themes resonate beyond Afghanistan’s borders, speaking to broader concerns about memory, nationhood, and the role of science in shaping our understanding of ourselves. As we watch Ehsas navigate the complex web of family secrets, historical context, and personal experience, we are reminded of the significance of storytelling in giving voice to marginalized histories and reclaiming forgotten heroes.

The world premiere of Forgotten Spaceman at the Locarno Film Festival marks a significant moment for Afghan cinema, marking a turning point in the recognition of Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. As audiences gather to witness Ehsas’ masterpiece, they will be reminded of the importance of preserving history, honoring its complexities, and giving voice to those who have been silenced.

In doing so, Forgotten Spaceman offers a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of science, culture, and ideas on our collective identity. By reclaiming Afghanistan’s forgotten space era, Ehsas not only honors his country’s history but also underscores the significance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place within the world.