Jirga is a 2018 Australian drama film written and directed by Benjamin Gilmour. The film follows the story of Mike Wheeler (played by Sam Smith), a former Australian soldier who travels to Afghanistan to seek forgiveness and redemption for a tragic incident during his time serving in the army.
Under extraordinary and dangerous circumstances, Mike embarks on a difficult journey to find a village where he hopes to speak with the family of a man he killed in battle. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles and dangers, including navigating treacherous terrain and facing potential harm from hostile forces.
As he gets closer to his destination, Mike forms a connection with a young street orphan named Rafi (played by Mohammad Mosam), who agrees to act as his guide in exchange for help finding his missing sister. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through Afghanistan, eventually arriving at the village where Mike hopes to make amends for his past actions.
Jirga is a poignant and powerful film that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the human cost of war. It was filmed on location in Afghanistan with an entirely Afghan cast and crew, and was produced under challenging, high-risk conditions. Despite the obstacles, the film has received critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and stunning visuals.
