Asad Qureshi talks to Matthew Stadlen

Documentary filmmaker Asad Qureshi explains how he found himself at the point of a gun and with a $10 million price on his head after setting off to film secret interviews with the Taliban.

Qureshi was kidnapped in 2010 in Waziristan, a dangerous border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He gives a compelling account of the 165 days he spent in captivity and of the emotional turmoil suffered by those on the outside trying to save his life. Outside were his ageing parents, a brother who faced down the terrorists and a loving American wife pushed to the limit. Qureshi offers an insight into the working of the Taliban and a reminder of the privilege of freedom.

Qureshi is a protégé of the British film director John Schlesinger and has worked as assistant director, director and producer. He heads the independent production company Avant-garde films. Here he talks to broadcaster and author Matt Stadlen.