When American troops left Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban quickly imposed strict rules that limited the rights and freedoms of women and girls. The world was shocked and outraged by these actions, but as time passed, the attention faded. However, a new documentary called Bread & Roses, set to premiere on Apple TV+ on November 22, aims to bring awareness back to the plight of Afghan women fighting for their basic rights. More than 70 gender-specific decrees have been issued since the Taliban took over, restricting women from public spaces, education, and work. Girls are not allowed to attend school or take exams, and women must be accompanied by a male relative when traveling. These restrictions have led to women being harassed, interrogated, and even killed for violating the rules.
Bread & Roses, directed by Sahra Mani and produced by Jennifer Lawrence and Malala Yousafzai, follows the stories of Afghan women in Kabul who are fighting for their rights. The documentary showcases the bravery and resilience of women like Zahra, Sharifa, and Taranom as they protest in public spaces and plan demonstrations behind closed doors. Despite facing threats and attacks, these women continue to fight for their freedom and the right to be heard.
The filmmakers, Jennifer Lawrence and Sahra Mani, worked together to capture the struggles of these women on film. Sahra had already started collecting footage from women in Kabul before Jennifer reached out to her, and together, they created a powerful documentary that sheds light on the situation in Afghanistan. The film focuses on the women’s stories and their fight for basic rights, rather than the political background of America’s withdrawal from the country.
Malala Yousafzai emphasizes the importance of giving women a platform to share their stories and voices. She believes that it is crucial to focus on the future and find ways to support Afghan women in their fight for equality. While the documentary shows the harsh reality faced by Afghan women, it also highlights their resilience and determination to create a better future for themselves and the next generation.
Despite the challenges and dangers they face, Afghan women continue to fight for their rights and work towards a brighter future. The documentary Bread & Roses serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of these women and the importance of supporting them in their fight for equality and freedom. It is a powerful call to action to ensure that the voices of Afghan women are heard and their stories are told.
