Gstaad native Andrea von Siebenthal’s latest documentary, “More Than Brothers”, is set to make its local debut this February at our community cinema. This poignant 23-minute film delves into the harrowing aftermath of the U.S. military’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, spotlighting the peril faced by Afghan allies and the relentless efforts of American veterans to secure their safety.

The documentary centers on two Green Berets who, driven by a profound sense of duty and brotherhood, embark on a mission to rescue Afghan comrades who safeguarded them during their deployments. Through intimate interviews and compelling narratives, von Siebenthal captures the emotional and moral complexities of these veterans as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles and personal sacrifices to honour their commitment to their Afghan counterparts.

“More Than Brothers” also amplifies the voices of two Afghan allies whose lives have been upended by the Taliban's resurgence. Their stories shed light on the human cost of geopolitical decisions, emphasising the urgency and moral imperative of fulfilling promises made to those who risked their lives alongside U.S. forces.

Andrea von Siebenthal is a former broadcasting journalist and humanitarian communicator with extensive experience in post-conflict areas. She holds a master’s degree in international Conflict Journalism and a Certificate in Documentary Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. Her dedication to highlighting the human consequences of war is evident in her body of work, which includes award-winning productions recognised at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards and the Internationale Wirtschaftsfilmtage.

“More Than Brothers” has garnered international attention, with screenings at prestigious festivals such as DOC NYC, Big Sky and Hot Springs in the United States and has won several awards, amongst others Best Social Impact Short at Lighthouse International Film Festival, Best Documentary at Mumbai Shorts International Film Fest as well as an Honorable Mention at the prestigious Thomas Edison Film Festival. The film has been praised for its timely subject matter and its unflinching portrayal of the sacrifices made by both soldiers and civilians in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In her director’s statement, von Siebenthal emphasises the film’s relevance: “The topic is extremely timely as many thousands of Afghans who have collaborated with the Allied Forces are being hunted down, tortured, and killed by the Taliban regime that took over the country in August of 2021.” She highlights the personal toll on veterans who have taken it upon themselves to rescue their former comrades, noting that “careers ruined, relationship and financial problems, mental health issues are things they all experienced and continue to deal with.”

The film also brings attention to organisations like the 1208 Foundation, a nonprofit run by current and former Green Berets and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians. The foundation provides life-saving assistance to former Afghan partners of U.S. Army Special Forces and advocates for their right to a U.S. Special Immigration Visa. Their mission underscores the moral obligation to support Afghan allies who are now in grave danger due to their association with U.S. forces.

Local audiences will be able to engage with this powerful narrative when “More Than Brothers” is shown at a free screening at the Gstaad cinema on February 20. The film offers a window into the complexities of international conflict and serves as a testament to the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.

As Gstaad continues to nurture artistic talents like Andrea von Siebenthal, “More Than Brothers” is a compelling example of how local voices can contribute to global conversations, shedding light on critical issues that resonate far beyond our community.

JEANETTE WICHMANN
 

FREE SCREENING OF "MORE THAN BROTHERS"
at CineGstaad, on 20 February 2025 at 5.30pm
Secure your seat by reserving directly via the QR code

Visit the official website at www.morethanbrothers.com for more information about the film and upcoming screenings.



You can also visit www.1208foundation.org to learn more about the 1208 Foundation, its work, and how to support it.