James Longley's latest documentary, "Mohabat," recently secured the top award at the Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival, offering a poignant look at life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan through the eyes of 12-year-old Mohabat. The film follows the boy as he navigates the aftermath of a U.S. drone strike that tragically killed his father while hunting. Longley, known for his previous Oscar-nominated works "Iraq in Fragments" and "Sari’s Mother," immersed himself in the region, approaching communities with a camera rather than a weapon, which he credits for his acceptance.

Longley emphasizes his role as an empathetic outsider. “I’m not attempting to become Afghan. I’m trying to help non-Afghans understand Afghanistan better,” he told Variety. His films often center on children, a deliberate choice he believes allows Western audiences to experience new places from a fresh, direct perspective, much like a child encountering the world for the first time. He notes that filming children also simplifies logistical hurdles in restrictive environments, stating, “You’ll get permission to make a film about a kid a 100 times before you will get permission to make a film about an adult.” While navigating cultural sensitivities, such as the inability to film women in the villages, Longley found powerful collaborators in producer Alex Gibney and local expert Mohammad Sharif Hotak, whose intimate knowledge of the region was crucial.

Looking ahead, Longley revealed his next project will delve into the Rohingya genocide, an atrocity formally recognized by the United States, the EU, and the British government. Despite its gravity, he observes a striking absence of documentary features on the subject. With the 10th anniversary of the 2017 genocide approaching next year, Longley feels uniquely positioned to tell this story, having already completed the first act with the late Diane Weyermann at Participant Media.

Longley's filmmaking is deeply rooted in his personal convictions. He describes his work as “pro-human and anti-war,” believing that all media reflects the politics of its creators. His documentaries stand in stark contrast to mainstream narratives, offering perspectives often overlooked. By focusing on the direct experiences of individuals, particularly children, Longley aims to create films that resonate deeply and challenge viewers to confront difficult truths, ensuring that stories like Mohabat's father and the Rohingya people are neither forgotten nor ignored.