Nov. 17, 2017|Ireland | Canada | Luxembourg | United States | United Kingdom | France|94 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Animation;Drama;War
Description: The Breadwinner, a 2017 film, follows the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living in Kabul under Taliban rule in Afghanistan (1996–2001). Her father, Nurullah, a former teacher turned hawker after losing his leg in the Soviet-Afghan War, is unjustly arrested by a Taliban member named Idrees. This leaves Parvana’s family—her mother Fattema, older sister Soraya, and younger brother Zaki—struggling to survive, as women are prohibited from going outside without a male relative.
When Parvana and her mother attempt to visit Nurullah in prison, they are beaten and threatened by the Taliban. To support her family, Parvana cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy named Aatish, allowing her to work and provide for her family. She befriends Shauzia, a girl in a similar situation, and together they take on labor jobs.
Parvana attempts to bribe a prison guard to see her father but fails and continues saving money. Meanwhile, Fattema arranges a marriage for Soraya to a relative in Mazar for protection. Parvana also meets Razaq, a former Taliban patrol member, who asks her to read a letter informing him of his wife’s death. They form a bond as she teaches him to read and write.
The film highlights themes of resilience, family, and the struggle for survival amidst oppression.
Cast director: Nora Twomey
Cast actor: Saara Chaudry, Soma Bhatia, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif, Ali Badshah, Kawa Ada, Noorin Gulamgaus, Patrick McGrath, Lily Erlinghäuser, Finn Jackson Parle
Original name: The Breadwinner