The Forbidden Reel (2020): cast, story & where to watch
2020 · Film · ★ 8
Released in 2020, The Forbidden Reel is a history and documentary film directed by Ariel Nasr, running about 121 minutes.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. The Forbidden Reel stars Ahmed Zahed as Child Siddiq, Adbul Rasool Khalaqi as Projectionist, Hamsafar Azam as Soviet Spy #1 and Khaled Aziz as Soviet Spy #2, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, The Forbidden Reel sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Forbidden Reel page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Forbidden Reel tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Forbidden Reel (2020)?
- In US, The Forbidden Reel is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Forbidden Reel worth watching?
- The Forbidden Reel holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy history and documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in The Forbidden Reel?
- The Forbidden Reel stars Ahmed Zahed, Adbul Rasool Khalaqi, Hamsafar Azam, Khaled Aziz and Mohamad Yaqood.
- When was The Forbidden Reel released?
- The Forbidden Reel was released in 2020, with a runtime of about 121 minutes.