Taliban control reshapes Afghan cinema ^{CEFR B2}

An investigation by Hasht-e Subh Daily, written by Elina Qalam and published on October 29, 2025, documents how the Taliban’s control since August 2021 has reshaped Afghanistan’s cinema and cultural life. The group removed films and television series from domestic broadcasters, closed cinema halls, and forbade many cinema activities. On November 21, 2021 the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice issued an eight-article directive that led to the widespread removal of women from the media.

The report records specific actions: on March 22, 2023 Kabul Municipality announced the demolition of the historic Khairkhana Cinema, and on September 26, 2023 the Taliban decided to lease the Aryub Cinema building. On May 13, 2025 the Taliban officially dissolved Afghan Film, the state body responsible for production, support and archiving.

Investigators and interviews with filmmakers inside and outside Afghanistan show deep concern for the Afghan Film Archive, which contains documentary films dating to the early 20th century and records major political events. Some exiled filmmakers fear the archive may be destroyed. Over the past four years the group produced nine films and one television series; women are absent from all productions, which experts describe as promoting the Taliban’s ideology, denigrating the former government, condemning democratic values and glorifying suicide attacks. Many of these works were made by inexperienced filmmakers or students.

Filmmakers in exile report financial limits, lack of technical facilities, residency difficulties and few professional opportunities. Inside Afghanistan, strict censorship remains: scripts must be submitted for review and female participation is completely prohibited. Many filmmakers have left the country, and those who remain face poverty and very limited prospects.