The Forbidden Reel
According to the official history of Afghanistan, ruthless destruction has always prevailed over art and creation; but there is another tale to be told, the forgotten account of a diverse and progressive country, seen through the lens of innovative filmmakers, a story that survives thanks to a few brave Afghans, a small but very passionate group that secretly fought to save a huge film archive that was constantly menaced by war and religious fanaticism.
Where to Watch
No US streaming subscription carries this title right now.
Top Cast
Ahmed Zahed
Child Siddiq
Adbul Rasool Khalaqi
Projectionist
Hamsafar Azam
Soviet Spy #1
Khaled Aziz
Soviet Spy #2
Mohamad Yaqood
Afghan Films President
Farooq Ghulam Baraki
Taliban #1
Jamil Dakohai
Taliban #2
Safiulla Sadiqi
Taliban #3
Zakarya Amin
Taliban #4
Koko Gul
Siddiq's Mother
Ibrahim Arify
Self - Filmmaker
Isaaq Nezami
Self - Former Taliban Official
Latif Ahmadi
Self - Filmmaker
Mariam Ghani
Self - Artist
Siddiq Barmak
Self - Filmmaker
Yasmin Yarmal
Self - Actress
Yusuf Jannesar
Self - Filmmaker
Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan
Self (archive footage)
Mohammed Daoud Khan
Self - Politician (archive footage)
Ahmad Shah Massoud
Self - Mujahid Leader (archive footage)
More Like This
For Sama
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing
Visions of Light
Fuck
I Am Ali
City of Ghosts
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th
9/11
Father Soldier Son
The War Room
The Soviet Story
Nazi Concentration Camps
The Director and the Jedi
Night Will Fall
Restrepo
Reel Injun
Audrey
Feminists: What Were They Thinking?
Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché