AustLit

Poking fun at politicians is a fairly standard form of television comedy, but satirising the government in Afghanistan, one of the most corrupt governments in the world, raises some very serious issues.

Inspired by The Office, Ricky Gervais's hit mock-documentary series, The Ministry focuses on the imaginary Ministry of Garbage in the fictitious country of Hechland. Featuring an incompetent Minister, a man-hating Secretary and an assortment of advisors and cronies, it reveals a dysfunctional government department with no accountability and a misguided, self-serving sense of morality. It provides the people of Afganistan the opportunity to laugh while addressing serious political and social issues like the buying of Parliamentary votes, corruption, nepotism, politicians colluding with major criminals, and sexism.

[Source: Put it Out There Pictures]