From the archive record
A theater operator from a local cinema park in Afghanistan shares his perspective on how political changes, including the period of Taliban rule, affected the country’s film culture and cinema industry. He explains that cinemas were once vibrant community spaces where families and youth gathered to watch films, both local productions and international releases. According to him, during stricter regimes, entertainment venues like cinemas faced closures, restrictions, or heavy limitations. This deeply impacted theater owners, projectionists, and workers whose livelihoods depended on film screenings. He reflects on how cultural expression, including movies and music, has often fluctuated with shifts in governance and policy. The operator also speaks about resilience—how people maintained hope