Sembène Film Festival: The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up under Taliban rule in war-torn Afghanistan in 2001. This is in a time and place where women are not allowed to leave home without a male accompanying them. When her father is wrongfully arrested, there is no one to earn money or even shop for food. Parvana make a life-changing decision and disguises herself as a boy in order to support her family. With dauntless perseverance, Parvana draws strength from the stories her father told her, and ultimately risks her life to discover if he is still alive.

Equal parts thrilling and enchanting, The Breadwinner is a timely and inspiring tale about the transcendent power of stories, and their potential to unite and heal us all.