Following the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, women's lives were turned upside down, ushering in restrictions and oppression reminiscent of the previous brutal regime. Amidst this chaos, the documentary Bread & Roses, produced by actress Jennifer Lawrence and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, seeks to shine a light on the resilience of Afghan women who continue to resist these restrictions. Premiering on Apple TV+ on November 22, 2024, the film captures the struggles of several women, chronicling their daily lives under Taliban rule using personal footage they filmed themselves.
One of the film's subjects, Zahra Mohammadi, was once on the verge of marriage and running her thriving dental clinic before the Taliban seized control, stripping away her rights and forcing her to adapt to a life of secrecy and activism. She has since turned her clinic, which still functions,into a hidden base for activists. Mohammadi and others, such as Sharifeh and Taranom Seyedi, represent the broader fight of Afghan women, who now find themselves risking their lives to reclaim their basic rights to education, work, and autonomy.
Sahra Mani, the film's Afghan director, expressed her commitment to lending voice to these women. "I always felt like the story of Afghanistan and of these women was also my own," she stated. She connected with many Afghan women via non-profits before Lawrence reached out, and the film began to take shape as they started collaborating.
Lawrence, motivated by the desire to create something impactful soon after the fall of Kabul, shared her intent to document Afghan women’s stories as she feared they would be overlooked. "I wanted to make it as an antithesis of the 24-hour news cycles," she said, reflecting on the fleeting nature of media attention and public concern surrounding the humanitarian crisis.
The collaborative effort led to the capture of poignant images and heart-wrenching moments, with the producer acknowledging the emotional toll it took on the team as they witnessed the grim realities faced by the women. The footage reveals scenes of protests where women demand their right to work, bread, and education, exposing the societal devastation caused by the Taliban's return.
Each woman's story is unique, yet they all share common threads of resilience and the pursuit of basic freedoms. For example, the dentist Zahra weaves together her narrative of resistance, encountering obstacles like the ban on women's education and workplaces. Yousafzai points out, “Women knew exactly what would happen if the Taliban erased them from public life,” illustrating how Afghan women have fought back fiercely against such repression.
The premiere of Bread & Roses at the Hammer Museum was not just another film screening; it was framed as part of the movement demanding recognition and rights for Afghan women. The documentary, often described as emotionally challenging, succeeded not only as art but also served as advocacy, echoing Yousafzai's sentiment about the importance of sharing these stories amid continued oppression.
According to the filmmakers, it's not only the individual stories of these women captured on camera but also the collective strength they symbolize. "They are showing us how the things they worked so hard for, the right to have a life, were suddenly taken away from them," Yousafzai said.
This film transcends mere documentation; it emerges as a call to action against the systematic gender apartheid instituted by the Taliban. Bread & Roses charts the complex interplay between despair and hope, showcasing the vibrant spirit of women determined to challenge their grim reality. The title itself reflects the longing for both sustenance and aspirations—core human desires denied to them under Taliban rule.
The film has been well-received critically, earning accolades for its heartfelt storytelling and timely subject matter. It embodies the belief among its creators and subjects alike: narrative power can contribute to real change. The stories depicted within the documentary will hopefully resonate not just within the borders of Afghanistan but also globally, elevatory voices and experiences often relegated to the shadows.
Lawrence’s desire to uplift these stories continues past the film’s release. She stated, "We live in a world in which women are oppressed, and the more we can share these narratives, the more awareness we can create. It’s terrifying to think women’s rights may regress, particularly with the global political climate.“
The documentary concludes with the urgent need for continued awareness and action. By facing these stories directly, Bread & Roses positions itself firmly within the global movement advocating for Afghan women’s rights, urging others to engage and support the fight for equity and justice both on the ground and through storytelling. Sahra Mani’s commitment reflects the dedication of countless women who continue to spark hope even amid overwhelming darkness. "We did our best to tell their story with authenticity and respect," she asserted, signifying not only her role as a storyteller but as part of the fight against oppression. For many watching, the film serves as inspiration to not only fight for but value the fundamental rights and dignities of women everywhere. This documentary is more than just history; it's history still being written.
