Powerful Documentary “Bread and Roses” Premieres This June on Apple TV+

“Bread and Roses” is a powerful documentary that provides a raw and intimate portrayal of the lives of Afghan women under Taliban rule. The film, directed by Afghan native Sahra Mani, premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and will be released globally on Apple TV+ on June 21, 2024.

The documentary is produced by Excellent Cadaver, the production company of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and her partner, Justine Ciarrocchi. It also marks the company’s first foray into documentary filmmaking. The film is executive produced by Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai, who has been a prominent voice for girls’ education and women’s rights in Afghanistan.

“Bread and Roses” follows the stories of three Afghan women—Zahra, Taranom, and Sharifa—whose lives were drastically altered by the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. It captures the seismic impact on women’s rights and livelihoods, including the closure of schools, bans on working, and restrictions on leaving their homes without a male chaperone. The film highlights the resilience of these women as they fight to recover their autonomy and basic human rights.

Mani, who previously directed the documentary “A Thousand Girls Like Me,” fled Afghanistan herself when the Taliban took power in 2021. She relied on footage sent to her by women in Afghanistan, capturing their brave acts of resistance and protest. The film showcases the courage and strength of these women, providing a necessary voice to those whose lives have been upended by oppressive regimes.