Come Back to Afghanistan

In the summer of 2002, 17-year-old Hyder Akbar traveled from California with his father to their home country of Afghanistan. He took a tape recorder along on the trip to record his thoughts and experiences.

Best Documentary: Silver2003 Third Coast / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition

2003 / Hyder Akbar / Susan Burton / This American Life, USA

In the summer of 2002, 17-year-old Hyder Akbar traveled from California with his father to their home country of Afghanistan. He took a tape recorder along on the trip to record his thoughts and experiences.

Independent producer Susan Burton crafted Akbar's audio diaries into a documentary that provides a rare and personal glimpse into this turbulent corner of the world.

Come Back to Afghanistan won the Best Documentary: Silver Award in the 2003 Third Coast Festival/Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition.


produced by

Hyder Akbar

Hyder Akbar is the author of Come Back to Afghanistan, a memoir based on his time spent in the country.

Susan Burton

Susan Burton's writing has appeared in Slate, Mother Jones, New York, the New Yorker, and the New York Times Magazine.


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