Semi-finalist – ‘Best Animation Documentary’ New York Animation Film Awards
For LGBTQ+ people, life before the return of the Taliban was showing signs of improvement. In a strict religious society, they have experienced a daily battle of prejudice and violence, however, during the last few years, green shoots of organised queer human rights voices were starting to be heard and felt. But when the Taliban retook control in 2021 all that progress collapsed, and LGBTQ+ people were forced to go back into hiding.
Now they are being horrifically persecuted and with no access to legal or medical services or jobs. Without access to these services or the chance to exist without fear of violence, their fractured lives are crumbling. Using UGC smuggled out of Afghanistan mixed with archive and animation, Gay Under the Taliban tells their story.
Credits
Produced & Directed by Dan Hall
Executive Producers Mark Hedgecoe, James Rogan, Soleta Rogan
Animation Alice Bibette
Narrated by Layla Lewis
Broadcast Details
This programme was first available for streaming on All 4 and Channel 4’s YouTube as part of their UNTOLD youth strand from 17th October 2022.
Articles about the film
Filmmaker Dan Hall on Documenting LGBTQ+ Communities Living Under Taliban Rule
by Zoya Raza-Sheikh
JIn Channel 4’s powerful new frontline documentary, UNTOLD: Gay Under the Taliban, director Dan Hall takes a sensitive look at the personal stories of four LGBTQ+ Afghans fighting for survival. read more
Alice Bibette depicts what it’s like for an LGBTQ+ person under the Taliban regime
by Roz Jones
The new partially animated documentary, made for Channel 4, charts four stories of pain, confusion and perseverance. read more