The Breadwinner (2017)

2017 | Animation

94 mins Canada Ireland Luxembourg

Director Nora Twomey's The Breadwinner, based on Deborah Ellis' award-winning novel, breathes life into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Afghan girl Parvana, born into an ever-changing world of conflict and oppression, who finds strength in the love of her family and the power of storytelling.

In Taliban-controlled Kabul, women and girls are not permitted to leave the house unescorted, to earn money, or to shop for food and supplies in the market. When Parvana's father, a teacher, is unfairly imprisoned, she must disguise herself as a boy to become her family's sole breadwinner. Showing courage and perseverance, Parvana does anything she can to support her family, while trying desperately to help free her father.

Executive produced by Angelina Jolie — whose humanitarian work over recent decades has brought her into contact with many young girls like Parvana — The Breadwinner is fundamentally about family, friendship, and imagination. With a team of over 200 artists, animators, and actors from around the world, Twomey has created an innovative mix of 2-D animation with acrylic and digitally painted environments, as well as digital paper cut–out segments, all woven into an unforgettable story. In tune with Twomey's commitment to ensuring authenticity on screen, the inspiring score by Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna features traditional musicians and young voices partly recorded in Kabul.