From the shadows of the majestic Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan comes a story of Azam, a shepherd and Buzkashi champion, who faces the pressures of modernization in the sport and in his own personal life. Azam plays as an individual for honor and integrity, but his success is increasingly thwarted by organized alliances, or “mafias”, encouraged by his rival Khurshed, a member of Tajikistan’s nouveau riche. Khurshed believes that team play is the future of the sport. Between challenges on the field and within his own family, Azam tries to find a place for himself in the new Tajikistan. Written by Najeeb Mirza