Following the films Brendan and the Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea, a new animated film for adults based on Deborah Ellis’s best-selling novel was released in 2017. The harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, plagued by Islamism and the Taliban, stand in stark contrast to the love and bonds among the family members of the main character, Parvana.

Parvana’s family loses her father, who is taken away by Taliban militants. Parvana is forced to disguise herself as a young boy and provide for the rest of her family—her mother, little brother, and older sister.

Parvana faces pitfalls and dangers due to the atmosphere and rules that prevail in the Taliban-controlled state. Every day, her family is confronted with the oppression of women, violence, and terror.

Parvana and her family are searching for a way to locate and free their father, whom they learn has been taken to one of the Taliban-controlled prisons.

Despite her fear, Parvana is filled with great courage. She draws encouragement and hope from the fantastical stories she creates, whether she needs to calm her little brother Zaki or when she sets out on a journey to find her father and reunite with her family.

The film is, to a large extent, a one-sided view of the social situation in Afghanistan. It is therefore only natural that we learn nothing about how the Taliban—unlike the American occupiers, for example—fought against the sexual abuse of boys, a widespread practice in Afghanistan known as “bacha bazi.” As we have recently learned, it was no secret that in recent years the CIA had been recruiting aging Afghan tribal leaders to cooperate by giving them Viagra. Journalist Lee Smith pointed out in *Tablet* that this Viagra was not only used by faithful husbands in their relations with their wives, but also by rapists of boys.

Despite certain shortcomings, this animated film about the situation in Afghanistan is a valuable work that aptly depicts suffering around the world and compels viewers to reflect on the difficult circumstances faced by people in various countries. Among other things, it helps us understand what a gift it is to live in a country where peace, freedom, and a modicum of justice prevail.

Animated / War / Drama / Family

Canada / Ireland / Luxembourg / USA, 2017, 94 min

Crew: Nora Twomey

Cast: Saara Chaudry, Ali Hassan, Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq

Parents Guide

Several scenes depicting the terrorization of Parvana’s family and acts of violence.

It is worthwhile to support quality art by purchasing it. Supporting good cinema not only helps in the creation of high-quality films but is also an expression of integrity and respect toward the filmmakers.