A Closer Look - The Network

Rising From Infancy

TOLO TV runs like any other TV network, but to imagine that it just launched in 2004 and in Afghanistan...well that is just amazing.

As Afghanistan was developing, the first independent television station was born. A family that left The Network has the unique opportunity to follow a television company that grows from day 1.
the country during war was back to return to their roots and bring them programming that they found in the rest of the world. After launching in 2004,

The infancy has people who started in radio, transitioning to become TV personalities.

The growth includes the hiring of outsiders to help train the Afghan people about what it takes to grow.

And during the current growth cycle they are now employing over 800 Afgahns and producing news, current affairs, dramas, comedies and music and lifestyle programs. But trouble is looming for TOLO TV as foreign troops are beginning to leave the country and before the film is over, the fledgling network will be confronted head on by the changes by issues that many United States television networks don't need to confront.

I really found it eye opening. As someone who has done television appearances for years now, The Network shows an operation that at it's heart has TV people in charge, but has such a diverse group of challenges that are unique to their situation.

The change in women's rights in Afghanistan has women taking on non-traditional roles for a country that has made women secondary (roles that those in America take for granted). 

They not only struggle to keep the best and the brightest, but they struggle to keep them in Aghanistan period!

And on top of that, the middle of a war torn area leads to challenges that will breakdown even the hardest nosed reporters.

Media fans, and fans of this unique type of film need to check it out. I found myself enthralled with the story and the ability to look at a kind of birth to teen type of feel. Check out The Network in NY and LA now, and on VOD on 10/8.

The Network
Director: Eva Ormer