As part of its Arts for Afghanistan program, ACAF nominated and supported the participation of artist Hadi Rahnaward in the Slavs and Tatars residency in Berlin—an immersive platform that offers emerging artists and cultural practitioners hands-on training and exposure to the full arc of artistic and research-based project development. The residency award reflects ACAF’s commitment to empowering Afghan artists and amplifying their voices within broader regional and international conversations. Rahnaward was selected based on the depth and urgency of his interdisciplinary practice, which spans film, photography, and installation—and his sustained inquiry into the sociopolitical histories of Afghanistan. Through this opportunity, ACAF sought to foster his individual development while also contributing to the cultivation of cross-border networks and critical knowledge exchange across Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

 

Over the course of two months, Rahnaward deepened his research, contributed to the daily operations of the residency office, and planned and hosted a public event. His work during this period centered on the role of propaganda and disinformation in shaping pivotal moments in Afghan history, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan War and the U.S. occupation. Drawing on these themes, his culminating event, غوغاسالری / Mobocracy, featured a combination of video, photography, and live performance. The event interrogated how distorted narratives construct the figure of the “other” and perpetuate cycles of conflict, particularly through image-making and media representation. By weaving together personal, historical, and political references, Rahnaward challenged audiences to critically reconsider dominant Western narratives and their lasting impact on perceptions of Afghanistan.

 

In parallel with his public-facing work, Rahnaward conducted in-depth research into Afghan oral traditions, further grounding his practice in cultural memory and vernacular storytelling. His active participation in the residency’s administrative and cultural programming underscored his collaborative ethos and deepened his engagement with the host community and fellow residents.