# Where to watch The Desert of Forbidden Art (2011) in the UK

> The Desert of Forbidden Art (2011) is not currently on UK subscription streaming. It can also be rented from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube or bought from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Last verified on 17 May 2026 by ScreenSearch.

**Type:** Film  
**Year:** 2011  
**Runtime:** 80 minutes  
**TMDB rating:** 4.7/10  
**Genres:** History, Documentary  
**Region:** United Kingdom (GB)  
**Last verified:** 17 May 2026 (2026-05-17T15:47:52.496Z)  

## Synopsis

How does art survive in a time of oppression? During the Soviet rule artists who stay true to their vision are executed, sent to mental hospitals or Gulags.  Their plight inspires young Igor Savitsky. He pretends to buy state-approved art but instead daringly rescues 40,000 forbidden fellow artist's works and creates a museum in the desert of Uzbekistan, far from the watchful eyes of the KGB. Though a penniless artist himself, he cajoles the cash to pay for the art from the same authorities who are banning it. Savitsky amasses an eclectic mix of Russian Avant-Garde art. But his greatest discovery is an unknown school of artists who settle in Uzbekistan after the Russian revolution of 1917, encountering a unique Islamic culture, as exotic to them as Tahiti was for Gauguin. They develop a startlingly original style, fusing European modernism with centuries-old Eastern traditions.

## Streaming options in the United Kingdom

### Rent (typically 24-48 hours)

- [Apple TV Store](https://tv.apple.com/gb/search?term=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art)
- [Amazon Video](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art&i=instant-video)
- [Google Play Movies](https://play.google.com/store/search?q=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art&c=movies)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art+film)

### Buy (digital download)

- [Apple TV Store](https://tv.apple.com/gb/search?term=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art)
- [Amazon Video](https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art&i=instant-video)
- [Google Play Movies](https://play.google.com/store/search?q=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art&c=movies)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The%20Desert%20of%20Forbidden%20Art+film)

## Frequently asked questions

**Where can I watch The Desert of Forbidden Art in the UK?**

The Desert of Forbidden Art (2011) is not currently included in any UK subscription service. It is available to rent on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube and buy on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube in the United Kingdom.

**How much does it cost to rent The Desert of Forbidden Art?**

Rental prices vary by service and tier (HD vs 4K), typically £3.49 to £5.99 in the UK for a 48-hour rental. ScreenSearch links you straight to Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube so you can check the current price.

**Can I buy a digital copy of The Desert of Forbidden Art?**

Yes. The Desert of Forbidden Art can be bought as a digital download from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube in the UK. A purchased digital copy lives in that storefront's library and stays available as long as the licence holds.

**Is The Desert of Forbidden Art on Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video in the UK?**

The Desert of Forbidden Art is not currently included with any major UK subscription service. It may still be available to rent or buy.

**How accurate is this film's availability data?**

Availability is sourced from The Movie Database (TMDB), which in turn pulls from JustWatch. Listings are refreshed daily. For purchase decisions, the provider's own site is the source of truth.

## Sources

- Streaming availability: The Movie Database (TMDB), refreshed daily.
- Underlying licensing data: JustWatch.
- Canonical URL: https://www.screensearch.co.uk/watch/movie/87098/the-desert-of-forbidden-art-2011
- Poster image: https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/w500/5PVaDqM5rSdVWmej8Kp0Sa52z8n.jpg
- JSON variant: https://www.screensearch.co.uk/watch/movie/87098/the-desert-of-forbidden-art-2011.json

---

Generated by [ScreenSearch](https://www.screensearch.co.uk/) — a free UK-focused tool that answers "where can I watch this in the UK?" for any film or TV show. No accounts, no signup.