Afghanistan’s highly anticipated documentary, Bread and Roses, is set to be released on November 22, 2024, on Apple TV Plus. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, the documentary sheds light on the lives of women living under the Taliban’s oppressive rule. The project has garnered global attention, with contributions from Jennifer Lawrence and Malala Yousafzai.
The film follows the lives of three Afghan women—Dr. Zahra Mohammadi, Sharifa Mohdzada, and Tarnam Sedhi—who continue to resist the Taliban’s restrictions despite the immense challenges they face. What makes this documentary particularly powerful is that these women filmed their own lives, offering an authentic and raw portrayal of their struggles and resilience. The documentary highlights what many experts have termed “gender apartheid,” showcasing how women are systematically denied their rights under the Taliban regime.
To bring these stories to the world, Sahra Mani trained local women to use cameras, empowering them to share their experiences and communicate their reality. Speaking about the project, Jennifer Lawrence emphasized the importance of drawing global attention to the oppression Afghan women face, while Malala Yousafzai described the film as a tribute to the courage and ongoing fight of women for their basic rights.
The title Bread and Roses symbolizes the dual struggle for women’s freedom and equality, representing both the necessities of life (bread) and the right to live with dignity and autonomy (roses).
