Jennifer Lawrence, the Academy Award winner, and Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani education campaigner, collaborated on the production of a significant new documentary. Although they may appear to be an unusual movie team, they achieved their goal.
This film sheds light on the lives of women in Afghanistan in the months following the Taliban's retaking of control of the country in 2021.
Because the new movie "Bread and Roses" is currently available to watch on Apple TV+, Lawrence, who is 34 years old, and Yousafzai, who is 27 years old, recently handed over the camera to Sahra Mani, an Afghan filmmaker, to capture video of women that Mani knew in Afghanistan in the months following the withdrawal of the United States forces from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Following the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban retook control of the country and overthrew its government almost quickly. This resulted in the establishment of a system that severely limits the rights of women by a rigid interpretation of Islamic law.
Yousafzai informed PEOPLE Magazine regarding the significance of notable Americans engaging in increasing awareness through their involvement. She emphasized that Jennifer's participation is crucial due to the necessity of expressing solidarity with Afghan women worldwide. Women around are uniting in solidarity with Afghan women and girls in their struggle against Taliban oppression.
She stated that this documentary by director Mani is critically important, as the Taliban are attempting to suppress Afghan women. At the age of 15, she endured physical assault by the Taliban for championing women's education.
“Bread and Roses” chronicles the experiences of three women in the months after the fall of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan: Sharifa, a former government employee who is compelled to stay at home with her family; Taranom, an activist who hides out in a town near Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan; and Zahra, a dentist who the Taliban try to force to close her practice.
Variety reported that Lawrence's family and friends strongly urged her to refrain from producing the picture. “It’s dangerous,” Lawrence said. “ Of course it is. But there is 20 million women whose lives are in danger.”
Lawrence's completion of the movie was essential to combat the concern that people will forget what is happening to the people of Afghanistan and move on with their lives.
In addition, Yousafzai stated that she believes that "the best form of resistance against the Taliban is to give visibility to Afghan women" because the oppressive government continues to carry out its control over Afghanistan.
"I hope that this documentary actually helps us start a conversation and really think about how we can push our leaders to do more to hold the Taliban accountable and ensure that things change for Afghan women very soon," she said.
The release of "Bread and Roses" has ignited extensive discourse online. “A must-watch documentary. Afghan women deserve global solidarity. Thank you, Jennifer and Malala," one netizen wrote. “Bread and Roses is storytelling at its most powerful. Courage and resilience shine through every frame," a second X user stated.
“This documentary is a reminder that the world cannot abandon Afghan women. Their voices matter," a third netizen penned. “Jennifer Lawrence proves that Hollywood can make a real difference with projects like this," another X user said.
“Malala’s fight for education continues to inspire. Afghan women will not be silenced," a fifth X user commented. “Bread and Roses is not just a film—it’s a call to action," another X user shared.
Business Times has reached out to Jennifer Lawrence for comments.
