the camera and, sadly but perhaps just as importantly, create an environment in which the men in her life would not object to her participation. Certainly, if I was making this film again, instead of filming and sound recording myself, I would take either a female sound recordist or female fixer to help facilitate the appearance of women on film. One thing I did discover is that, when they do speak, women are very articulate and very angry - it is they who suffer the day to day privations and stresses of food preparation and child-rearing. I think it is they that should be the focus of further films - Afghan men have had enough air-time!

11. What was the highlight of your visit to Afghanistan?

There were many. The landscape is stunning, absolutely breath-taking. The generosity and humour of many of those I met. Being in Kabul and witnessing the extraordinary destruction. But above all, two things stand out: first the sense (after having made many history films) of being in a place where history was happening right now. I didn't have to try and imagine what life was like in 1st century Rome or 16th century Italy - I could be in 21st century Kabul and see history in the making. Secondly, and ultimately, the highlight has to be the time