Warlord of Kayan

Warlord of Kayan is a documentary film directed by Jeff B. Harmon in 1989, focusing Sayed Jafar Naderi, also known as Jeff Naderi. Sayed Jafar is the elder son of Sayed Mansur Naderi, an Ismaili leader in Afghanistan. The film delves into Sayed Jafar's life journey from a former hippie motorcycle gang member and heavy metal drummer in the United States to a political and military figure in Afghanistan. The film won the Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival.

The documentary Warlord of Kayan discusses Sayed Jafar Naderi's early years, particularly his transition from a youth in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to a military and political figure in Afghanistan. The documentary includes anecdotes about Naderi’s time in Allentown, from his involvement with local motorcycle gangs to his musical preferences. These details provide insight into the factors that influenced Sayed Jafar Naderi's return to Afghanistan, including cultural, familial, and geopolitical elements. By the age of 24, Naderi had become governor of the Baghlan province and the leader of an opposition force.

It was featured in the Sunday Times magazine, including a photograph of Sayed Jafar Naderi taken by Jeff B. Harmon during one of the filmmaking scenes, had gone on the magazine's front cover.

Synopsis
The documentary examines the role of Sayed Jafar in Afghanistan. He commanded over 13,000 armed forces in Kayan, where he focused on safeguarding the interests of the Ismaili community against various groups, including government forces and Mujahideen factions. The film portrays Sayed Jafar’s leadership and his efforts in managing the challenges of Afghan politics and societal issues. It highlights his dedication to the welfare and progress of the Ismaili people.

Set against the backdrop of the Soviet era, the Mujahideen, and the Afghan civil war, Warlord of Kayan a look into the challenges and responsibilities of leadership within a conflict zone. It also explores the broader theme of identity and transformation, illustrating how individuals can play multifaceted roles within their communities and in the wider geopolitical landscape.

Geography
Kayan, positioned in northeastern Afghanistan's Baghlan Province within the Kayan valley and about 30 kilometers west of Dushi, is predominantly inhabited by individuals from the Sadat and Hazara tribes. These residents are devoted followers of Sayed Kayan, who represents Aga Khan in Afghanistan. The community embraces Isma'ili Islam, highlighting its unique spiritual and cultural identity. Additionally, Kayan is commonly described as a center for Afghanistan's Ismaili community throughout the history. It has traditionally acted as a base for a military contingent, which included over 13,000 Ismaili personnel.

The subject
Sayed Jafar Naderi's early life in Allentown, where he was colloquially known as 'Jeff,' included typical teenage activities before he emerged as a prominent figure in Afghanistan. His early employment at McDonald's and involvement in the local rock and motorcycle culture transitioned to significant leadership roles in his homeland. His tenure as a leader during and after the Soviet-Afghan conflict, positions him as both a pivotal and sometimes controversial figure within Afghan politics. His statements regarding the future of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of American forces express significant concern for the nation's stability and highlight the persistent challenges within the region.

The director
Jeff B. Harmon is a filmmaker and war correspondent known for documentaries on various international conflicts, including the Nazi underground in Paraguay and the civil war in El Salvador, and the regimes of Central African Emperor Bokassa and Uganda's Idi Amin. Among his notable projects are "Jihad," "Afgan," and "Warlord of Kayan," which collectively provide perspectives on the Soviet-Afghan war from the mujahideen, Soviet forces, and an independent Afghan warlord. Harmon directed "Saddam’s Iraq" ahead of Operation Desert Storm and "Isle of Lesbos," a feature film. His contributions to the field have been recognized with awards, including the Royal Television Society Journalism Award. Harmon's documentaries have been broadcast on platforms such as the BBC, National Geographic Explorer, MSNBC, Channel 4 (UK), and PBS's Frontline series, reflecting his extensive impact on documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism.