Afghanistan/Qatar/United States | 2019 | Mariam Ghani

This new documentary is not about America’s War in Afghanistan, but about state-funded Afghan filmmaking during the country’s Communist era. Dozens of writers, actors, and filmmakers discuss five unfinished, unedited fictional features produced between 1978 and 1991. Their commentary about how studio politics, regime change, and threats of violence affected production are amplified by beautifully restored film clips from these never-before-seen movies. An eye-opening case study of authoritarianism and censorship, Ghani’s film ponders freedom of speech, the relationship between art and politics, and what happens when the truth becomes a bargaining chip. “Cultural archaeology of special interest to cineastes.” –Variety. Cleveland premiere. 71 min.

What We Left Unfinished, a Cinematheque streaming exclusive, can be viewed online from 8/13 thru at least 9/23 via the link below. Doing so supports the Cinematheque. Screening fee is $10 and you have 72 hours to watch it.

https://watch.eventive.org/whatweleftunfinished/play/60fef24bef7f0e007cbbf0ca