The Giant Buddhas
At a glance
The Giant Buddhas is a 2005 Swiss documentary film written and directed by Christian Frei. It concerns the destruction of the Buddha statues in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, after the Taliban ordered the removal of figurative representations in February 2001. The film runs 95 minutes and is listed under jihadism. Its languages are Arabic, Dari, English, and French. Christian Frei is also its producer. The film premiered in August 2005 and received awards including the Silver Dove at DOK Leipzig in 2005 and the Silver Gentian at the 2006 Trento Film Festival. Its subject and setting bring together the history of the Bamiyan statues and the events surrounding their destruction.
Who it is for
Suitable for viewers interested in the Bamiyan Buddha statues, Afghanistan, or the history of jihadism. Its listed languages may also suit multilingual documentary viewers.
What is good
- Examines the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues
- Written and directed by Christian Frei
- Available in Arabic, Dari, English, and French
- Received awards at DOK Leipzig and Trento Film Festival
What to know first
- Runs 95 minutes
- No language beyond the four listed is specified
Verdict
The film centers on the destruction of the Buddha statues in Bamiyan Valley and the events leading to it. Its focused subject may appeal to viewers exploring Afghan history and jihadism.
Details
- Year
- 2005wikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- 95 minwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
- Director
- Christian Freiwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
- Country
- Switzerlandwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
- Subjects
- Jihadismwikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
- IMDb
- tt0478157wikidata.org · 3 Oct 2026
More documentaries of the 2000s
See the listListed on DocumentaryTube
- Documentaries of the 2000s in 20264066 listed
- Documentaries Directed by Christian Frei5 listed
Sources
- wikidata.org/wiki/Q870412· checked 3 Oct 2026
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giant_Buddhas· checked 2 Oct 2026