If Freston is right and Star's awards enable it to break out of the crowded field of documentaries, it will energise the debate over the war in Afghanistan, just as the US and Nato allies are debating the size of their commitment and the effectiveness of their strategy. European publics are tired of the place: a recent FT poll showed a clear majority in Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain believe their government should not send more forces to Afghanistan, even if pressed to do so by President Obama. Star may provide a timely antidote to "donor fatigue" by putting a human face on the travails and talents of the Afghan people.

One viewer buttonholed Daoud Siddique, Star's host, after the première as the excited crowd spilled out into Park City's freezing night air. "My son is serving in the US Army in Afghanistan," he said. "I feel better about what we're doing over there having watched your movie." When Afghan Star reaches TV stations and cinemas in the rest of the world, a lot of people may feel the same way.