The Breadwinner by Nora Twomey: A Tale of Courage and Resilience

Main Cast and Crew:

• Director: Nora Twomey
• Writers: Anita Doron (screenplay), Deborah Ellis (novel)
• Voice Cast: Saara Chaudry as Parvana, Soma Chhaya as Shauzia, Laara Sadiq as Fattema, Shaista Latif as Soraya, Ali Badshah as Nurullah, Noorin Gulamgaus as Razaq, Kawa Ada as Father, and Ali Kazmi as Razaq
• Music Director: Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna
• Director of Photography: Jeremy Purcell
• Producers: Anthony Leo, Tomm Moore, Andrew Rosen, Paul Young, and Stephan Roelants

The Breadwinner is an animated drama film directed by Nora Twomey, based on the novel of the same name by Deborah Ellis. Set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the film follows the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family after her father is unjustly imprisoned.

Parvana lives in a society where women are forbidden to leave their homes without a male companion. With her father imprisoned and her mother and sister unable to work, Parvana takes on the responsibility of providing for her family. She cuts her hair and adopts the name “Aatish” to pass as a boy. Through her journey, she encounters other children in similar situations, forming a bond with Shauzia, a street-savvy girl who dreams of escaping to a better life.

As Parvana navigates the dangerous streets of Kabul, she uses her storytelling skills to transport herself and those around her to a world of hope and imagination. These stories become a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Parvana’s quest to reunite her family and free her father becomes intertwined with the stories she tells, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

The Breadwinner explores themes of gender inequality, the power of storytelling, and the resilience of the human spirit. It highlights the struggles faced by women and children in a war-torn society and the lengths they go to survive and protect their loved ones. The film also sheds light on the importance of education and the transformative power of knowledge.

Upon its release, The Breadwinner received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, stunning animation, and powerful performances. It was nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and won the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award for Best Animated Feature.

The film’s legacy lies in its ability to shed light on the often overlooked stories of women and children in war-torn countries. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of individuals in the face of adversity. The Breadwinner has become a valuable educational tool, sparking discussions on gender equality, human rights, and the power of storytelling.

For potential viewers, The Breadwinner is a must-watch film that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. It combines beautiful animation with a compelling narrative, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. This film is suitable for both adults and older children, as it tackles important themes in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.

Memorable Quote:

“Stories remain in our hearts even when all else is gone.”