As the Taliban swept back into power this month, the world witnessed a clamoring for escape among Afghans desperately trying to flee the return of the strict Islamist regime. At special risk were the often invisible corps of locals who make the work of foreign journalists and filmmakers possible. They include local employees of news organizations, fixers, interpreters, drivers, and others, without whom the world would know little of Afghanistan. Often uncredited, they were suddenly too visible, with their own safety and that of their families in mortal peril.
In response, news organizations, filmmakers, and NGOs mounted an all-out effort to rescue local employees, fixers and their families. This panel will offer an intimate look at the often heart-stopping journey to help Afghans who fear retribution to get out of the country, told by just some of the people who lived it in real time. The panel will provide up-to-date information on what our own community of filmmakers and journalists can do to aid the effort.