Smiling in a War Zone/ Smiling in a War Zone – and the Art of Flying to Kabul

Simone Aaberg Kærn, Magnus Bejmar, 2005

One day, artist and pilot Simone reads in her morning paper the story of a 16 year old Afghan girl who dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. By the time Simone finishes her coffee, she is determined to fly the 6000 km to Kabul, find young Farial and make her dream come true. She buys the only plane she can afford: a 40-year old 'Donald Duck' Piper-Colt made out of canvas. After challenging every military authority she comes across, weeks of travelling, 50 hours in the air, 33 landings, and in the end, flying illegally into Afghanistan at nerve wrecking heights, Simone finally reaches Kabul and finds Farial.