**2009 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL **

FIXER: THE TAKING OF AJMAL NAQSHBANDI begins with the relationship between Naqshbandi, a young Afghan journalist, translator and coordinator, and one of his clients, Christian Parenti, an American journalist (and one of the film's producers). Over the course of six months, their paths converge, and then separate. Naqshbandi is subsequently kidnapped by Taliban forces, along with Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo and Afghan driver Sayed Agha, who is immediately beheaded. As foreign powers increase pressure to bring a fast resolution to the kidnapping, the Afghan government bungles its response, leaving Naqshbandi's family with mounting frustration. The Taliban release Mastrogiacomo after weeks in captivity, but Naqshbandi is later killed.

The documentary provides a harrowing inside look at today's Afghanistan, where dissent and violence from both inside and outside forces continue to ravage the state. With the Taliban increasing its grip on the country, the government is riddled with corruption, and most of the people live in poverty. As a result, many Afghans question the competence of their leaders, not to mention the goodwill of the international community, while Ajmal's family and friends are left wondering why a foreigner was set free, but a native Afghan was murdered.

FIXER: THE TAKING OF AJMAL NAQSHBANDI is an HBO Documentary Films presentation of a G Films and Subdivision Productions Film; directed, cinematography and edited by Ian Olds; produced by Nancy Roth and Christian Parenti & Ian Olds; co- producer, Gabe Maxson; interviews and additional photography by Christian Parenti.