Bread & Roses (2023) Movie Script
1
My mother believes
that dreams reveal the future.
To nullify a nightmare,
recount it to water.
After my engagement ceremony,
I dreamt of Rawze-i-Sharif.
People were praying,
normal life was in motion.
Suddenly, lightning struck.
The bakers carried bread in coffins.
Suddenly, the sky was raining stones.
When I woke up,
I shared my dream with the rain.
O Cameleer,
slow down,
you are carrying my soul.
She grabbed my heart,
then took it away.
Dowry is based on
how much the husband can afford to pay.
The amount has not been determined
by Sharia law.
After two years of being in love,
we got engaged.
At the ceremony,
he was in the men's section
and I was with the women.
- Do you want her and accept her?
- I want her and accept her.
Down with the Taliban!
Long live Afghanistan!
Allah-o-Akbar!
- Take a video, take a video!
- I'm taking it!
There are hundreds of
Islamic authority military forces.
They have surrounded us from four sides.
We are just 12 women.
But already, we resist.
I told you I'm taking a video,
do not call me.
There is no electricity, is there?
This generator is broken.
Up until now,
the Taliban have not bothered doctors.
Though they just ordered me
to remove my name from my clinic board.
I hope it's not
the beginning of closing my office.
Where is my mask?
Drink room temperature water
for a few days.
Then come back here.
Jameel, look at my camera.
We've been out here
since yesterday at six o'clock...
Let me see my face.
We've been waiting at the airport
since yesterday at six o'clock.
We tried many gates,
but couldn't get through.
May God help us.
There were 30 or 40 of us.
Half became so disappointed
they went home.
The remaining half
continue to stand strong.
May God help us.
You two, be careful!
An exciting memory remains for you two.
You're just kids.
Rahela, Zohra, Farzana, Mina and me.
And this way, the men. Sami...
Look at me, dear Jameel!
We are still waiting.
We tried every single gate,
but did not succeed.
This is gate 1, and it is very crowded.
Unfortunately, they are using tear gas.
There is still so much chaos,
ongoing explosions...
Hello to a depressed
and displaced city.
Kabul.
Last month the Afghan flag
was taken down from my office.
And I was forced to remain at home.
Our demonstration was stopped
by the officers of the Ministry
of Virtue and Vice, and their cars.
While three Taliban
were beating me severely,
the rest of the girls got involved.
I screamed at the Taliban.
Now we're all scattered in taxis.
The sign is inside.
Make sure it faces the street.
I will do whatever you ask.
Make sure the welding is strong enough
that the wind and rain will not damage it.
I'll go get prepared.
What else do you need?
Don't worry, I'll be back in a bit.
Please return as soon as possible.
Work, bread, education.
At this time, the Taliban
have ordered women to remain at home.
They've warned us not to protest,
or we'll be arrested.
But we will not be silenced.
We plan to raise our voices
for the women who are already imprisoned.
What should I write?
My hand is in pain, I cannot write.
Free the opposing girls.
Wait, the pretext is...
Let's write this, "Stop the arrests!"
Litigation is the right of every citizen.
When I go to fancy restaurants
with Omid, and they're empty...
...he says to pretend we're in London.
When we come out,
he says we're back in Afghanistan.
These days, my only happiness
is to teach my mother how to read,
and to help my brother with his studies.
- Did you write it down?
- Yes.
In 2019, the Washington Post published
part of the secret documents
of the American presence in Afghanistan
which became known
as the Afghanistan Papers.
Do you understand it?
The nontransparent atmosphere
of Afghanistan
was the best opportunity
for American companies
to take over
a large part of American funds.
Fox News calls it windfall gains.
- What is this word?
- It said that the Internet...
The internet is sold
in thousands of stores in the UK.
I think it says nothing is growing faster
than the internet...?
There should not be a space here.
Start over.
Be sure to move carefully in the streets.
Because the Taliban
are still arresting girls.
Nothing worked.
We knocked on every single gate,
but nothing opened.
They didn't accept any
of the documents that we shared.
We have to stay. We have to fight.
There is no other option right now.
Education, work, freedom!
Please don't beat me...
Today's demonstration involved women,
at their will,
gathering to protest
the closure of schools,
and teachers not returning to work.
Unfortunately, the protest became violent.
Still, all women stand together.
Down with terrorists!
Right now, girls who are educated
through 12th grade
have to stay at home.
They had dreams of becoming doctors,
engineers, teachers.
Of serving their homeland.
It's tragic that our girls
are stuck at home.
They had dreams!
WE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
Work, bread, education!
Down with poverty and misery!
Do not politicize education!
Please, I'm a journalist...
a journalist!
There are so many unfair restrictions,
they won't allow us
to demonstrate properly.
Since the start of our mission,
they've wanted to stop us
with whips and sticks in their hands.
As you can see,
several journalists were beaten.
Girls, come this way.
Get in the car right now! Get in!
He's talking to you, get in the car!
I will not!
Make her get in the car!
- I'm taking you to the police station.
- Where?
Fine, and then what?
- You've just come to terrorize women?
- I said shut up!
You think you're so tough?
I told you not to talk.
I will kill you right now, right here!
Then come and kill me, right now!
He won't do anything to me!
You will not!
Why did you close the university?
Shut up or I'll kill you.
Then kill me!
You closed universities and schools.
You might as well kill me!
Calm down, calm down.
Calm down, it's the police chief's order.
You think you're so powerful
arresting women?
You're desperate for power over us.
The arrest of female protesters
by the Taliban in recent weeks...
Yesterday, a group of girls
marched in the streets of Kabul,
they were holding placards
on which they demanded jobs
and financial independence for women.
The public are very concerned
about the condition
of the women who've been arrested.
I'm proud of the girls
who participate in demonstrations.
But I can't join them,
my mother won't allow it.
Almost ready.
Where are my shoes?
I wore them, they're here.
The weather is warmer today, isn't it?
Come take some pictures of me,
bored at home.
Coming to the rooftop to look around
is a sad solution for my longings.
I am so tired of this situation.
I miss everything I had.
I miss the trips we used to take.
We don't have the right to work.
We don't have the right to study.
Everything has been taken from me.
From my same sex,
from my fellow warriors,
from my fellow travelers.
These days, I only come up to the roof
and down to my home.
"Damn a bad mood
and bad year and loneliness.
And spring, which is torment,
where are you without me?"
Take my photo?
For many reasons, I couldn't stay here.
Unfortunately, I have to go to Pakistan.
From the moment I arrive,
I will film my life.
Second to second.
May history remember
that once upon a time,
such cruelty was permitted
against the women of Afghanistan.
Before the United Nations.
Before all human rights organizations.
Before the whole world.
Before countries
that denounce cold-heartedness
and cry for democracy.
Afghan women have become
victims of policies everywhere.
For me, there is no choice but to flee.
Hello and hi...
Here, you can see plains
and deserts and reeds.
This is the current safe house,
our living area.
This is the building we live in.
It has 10-12 rooms,
and each room accommodates
approximately 3, 4, 5, 10 people.
This side was full of reeds,
and there were more snakes
and jackals than you can imagine.
At ten pm they start howling.
So, for the last two days,
they set fire to the area
to gradually reduce it.
Here, as you see,
they are burning the reeds
so the animals get lost.
We don't have a washing machine,
so our clothes are still dirty.
We don't have a kettle for hot water.
We don't have a TV.
They brought one but it was destroyed,
so they threw it away.
We can't find a doctor.
I have been complaining
since this morning,
but no one's helped us.
I have an awful toothache,
I'm in such pain.
- Hello, how are you?
- I'm fine, thank you.
Everything has become so expensive,
and everyone's income is very low.
You're right.
Some say there will be war,
others say a new government.
Everyone has different predictions.
- There's no end to it.
- There's no end to it at all,
there's no end to it
for the Hazara people.
Playing music in the car is illegal.
A woman cannot take a taxi alone.
My mother is always worried about me,
but I want to be active,
to be seen.
So I went to distribute food...
...alongside my friends.
Ma'am, they haven't called your name yet,
you can wait, okay?
Will you find me
if they call my name?
Yes, I will find you
if they call your name.
Who else is there?
Soraya.
Go to the back,
they will call your name.
Why are you leaving the country?
I know our lives are in danger,
but you've never taken off your mask.
So why are you leaving?
I'm afraid that someday they'll discover
that I'm on your team.
Which scares me.
Education is our right!
You have brought horror for us
instead of safety.
We want nothing to do with you!
These protestors demonstrated
around the Ministry of Finance,
but the reporters who were there
to cover the demonstration
were met with the cruelty
of the Islamic Emirate.
We are here, as always,
to demand justice.
We want the girls' schools to re-open,
and for the Ministry
of Women's Affairs to re-open.
But today we have another goal,
to highlight the terrible
economic conditions surrounding us.
- Ms. Mohammadi?
- Yes, my love.
Which food can you cook best?
I'm so busy
that I have no time for cooking.
I mean, for example,
which food do you like to cook most?
Not to brag, but I can cook anything.
Not everyone is brave enough
to risk their life against terrorism.
You fight even though
you've been threatened?
Yes, I've been threatened.
We gave up our lives
the day we demanded justice.
We'd sacrifice our lives
for this country and its people.
Even though I didn't have
permission from my family,
I went and stood fearlessly
against the new regime.
I demanded rights
that Afghan women won't even demand
from their own fathers or brothers.
The Afghan woman is first oppressed
at home,
by her father, brother and husband.
These are the streets of Pakistan.
And these are its Jogis.
This is Rahela and Maryam's
goodbye party.
They'll go to Spain
alongside Sahar and Baktash.
They invited everyone
to their goodbye party.
Girls, don't be loud in our clinic,
we're under restrictions.
What's going on?
What's with all the noise?
Do you want them to discover us?
How much will you pay?
Where should I sit? I won't fit.
Sit two by two.
Is this camera yours?
They're making a documentary.
It's for Ms. Sahra Mani.
That's okay.
Don't worry.
We are gathered here
from various activist groups.
We met after the Taliban rose to power,
while protesting the new regime.
We didn't know each other before then.
Fighting for our rights
brought us together.
A woman that earned the benefits
of using our name for many years
took her whole family
out of the country,
and now she is lobbying for the
Taliban to be officially recognized.
Why should the Taliban be recognized?
They say the Taliban is the truth
in Afghanistan,
a truth you should tolerate.
Some have said our organization is
chaotic, but it's quite the opposite.
It's also diverse.
We have poets and writers.
We give everyone an opportunity
to offer their opinions on slogans,
on the time and place of protests.
We also wear colorful clothes,
use perfume and wear high-heeled boots.
We breathe freely
and we have fun in the park.
Ladies, can I?
I spoke to a woman
who said we should
write our own history.
She affected me deeply.
I want to build a library,
to encourage women to become writers,
to write their own stories.
I feel we are not yet properly celebrated
around the world.
This time, everyone must first accept
that women will turn the pages
of this revolution.
Second, that this revolution
is a civil revolution.
Why? Because other revolutions
that relied on power,
weapons, violence, warmongering
and killing people didn't work.
Now, we're trying to pave the road
for a civil revolution.
A revolution of thought,
with the unity of our youth,
and with acceptance of each other.
- Hi, how are you?
- Welcome.
Are you okay?
I'm so glad you're here.
Me too.
How are you, are you ok?
Please don't get up.
What's going on?
Did you bring the music?
I swear, I downloaded it
but forgot to bring it.
In the restricted society
of Afghanistan,
women are always the victims.
The new regime tried to rescind
Sharifeh's marriage license
because she had a job.
They asked why she was working.
Did they have a reason
for why she shouldn't be working?
They must have mentioned a reason?
Women should work and study,
it's wrong for them to only exist
under the hijab, stuck at home.
Everything is backwards now.
Her husband said he wouldn't
file for divorce.
That she would sit in the house
until her hair was
as white as her teeth.
Some women will wait an eternity
for men who abandon them.
In Afghanistan, women are slaves.
The washing machine is broken
because it's been over-used.
Dirty laundry has been stacked up
for almost two months.
Usually, I'd wash my clothes
and hang them out back to dry.
There's a wild dog in here
that will probably eat us
if they let him loose.
And I don't think it'll be our turn
for another month.
The weather is awful,
so we can't hand-wash outside.
It's too cold.
"The other day, someone made
a Facebook account in my name.
The fake account published slurs about me,
and used my personal photos
that were taken in our group meetings.
I've felt deflated these last few days.
I was quiet,
not active at all in the group.
The girls tried so hard to discover
who was behind the account, to hack it.
They finally did, but the fraud
managed to make another account
and used the photos I took
with the French reporters.
They threatened me.
Now I'm worried about what might happen.
That this trail of fake accounts
might project a false image of me.
I'm thankful for every one of my sisters
who stood by me,
who sympathized with me."
I never want to be away from you all, ever.
I have a Talib in my house.
I already told you,
I have a Talib living in my house.
I can show you
how badly I've been beaten by him.
The women in prison haven't been
beaten up as much as I've been.
I am only human,
how much more can I suffer?
I fight for freedom during the day,
and get beaten up at night.
I cry for freedom for all women,
as I myself am tortured.
They brought my picture
to the store and said,
"We have business with this woman."
Don't worry, it'll be okay.
You're a warrior.
We are next year's presidents.
I have fighter friends.
For me, God is first
and then you guys.
Goodbye, be careful.
Bread...
Freedom...
It's good.
Let's get lost, leave it as it is.
BREAD, WORK, FREEDOM
Dozens of women have protested
following the economic collapse
and subsequent poverty.
They want the Islamic Emirate
to do something
about their work
in political administrations,
to have access to economical activities
and the continuation
of women's education.
Today's demonstration was
on behalf of our helplessness.
Women are not permitted to work
and earn an income...
Did you set the table?
Did you place the linen?
Did you wash your hands?
The situation has become so dire
I feel I must join the girls.
I'm going to sneak out
against my parents' wishes.
We are going out to buy things
for Yalda night.
We gathered all the money in a hat.
Around a hundred dollars,
which is about 20 Afghani.
- What do you want to buy?
- Four kilos of pomegranate.
There are 35 of us,
so we'll have five kilos of these.
Curse them, they don't have any nuts!
What do you want to buy?
There aren't many options here.
We all had plans for Yalda night.
We always paid such respect
on Yalda night.
But now we're all refugees,
scattered around the world.
HAPPY YALD NIGHT!
We will never let them go,
those who insulted the Islamic hijab.
When the Taliban broke the lock
and opened the door,
the girl broke her balcony's glass
and jumped over.
Help!
The Taliban are in my house,
and my sisters are in the house!
We don't want to open the door!
If you want to talk, please come tomorrow.
We cannot have you
near these girls tonight.
We don't want to open the door!
Help, help!
We'll never forgive those
who insulted the hijab.
We regard them as prostitutes.
I bet they will take a video
of Tamana,
and force her to say
it was all a misunderstanding.
Do you have any painkillers for me?
I'm glad to finally participate,
to represent women's voices.
Could you please write these sentences?
I'm writing, "Stand With Women."
Hold your hand like this.
Stand with women in Afghanistan.
Say it together, one more time.
Stand with women in Afghanistan.
Should I write "where is?" or "where are?"
WHERE ARE TAMANA AND HER SISTERS?
Each one of us represents all of us.
Free the captives, destroy ignorance.
Where are Tamana
and her sister, Parvana?
Remove your masks,
we'll take a photo now.
Is this a photo?
Let's take a photo.
DON'T BE FOOLISH, FREE IMPRISONED WOMEN
Finally, it's our turn.
I've been coming and going for days,
it's never the right time.
Now, it's my turn to wash my clothes.
I've washed my clothes and drained them
because it's so cold outside.
It's raining, too.
I'll take it to my room.
Zarifa Salangy returned to Afghanistan.
I told you some women
supported the Taliban,
you didn't believe me.
Will you come to our house again?
Today, I'm going to my own house.
Where's my jacket?
Stay at our house,
outside is dangerous.
Since the Taliban are searching
for female activists,
I'll stay in my house one night
and at yours the next night.
Then Laila's.
Bye, sweetie.
Dear Shahrzad, bye-bye.
Lock the doors.
Do not open them for anyone.
If anyone asks about your aunt
Zahra Mohammadi,
please say you do not know her.
If anyone asks in school,
you must not say a thing.
I haven't bought any new clothes.
I brought all my clothes from Kabul.
If I ever become arrogant,
I will remember myself like this.
When I only had 20 Afghanis.
I will never forget.
Also, five dollars that I saved here,
for a blessing.
It's been five months
since I arrived in Pakistan.
My family stayed in Kabul.
So much of my pain is...
...from being forced to abandon my life.
The pain of being a refugee.
Of being a captive.
Vagrancy, poverty.
The controversy surrounding
the girls, my friends.
The pain of losing your homeland.
The pain of your family
being in the hands
of the most depraved people on Earth.
It is all too much.
WE DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
AND TO PROTECT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
How many slogans were printed?
Twelve.
Today we have a demonstration behind
the Ministry of Women's Affairs.
Last night, the Taliban called me.
They asked my name,
and if I would cancel the protests.
I told them I was not responsible
for every gathering.
They said I was responsible
for terrorist attacks,
and that I should cancel the protest.
I told them I was not responsible for it.
One of them said,
"I'll meet you tomorrow at 1 pm."
I said, "Are you threatening me?
Will you kill me?"
He said, "You'll see."
I said, "Why are you calling me?"
He said, "Because you are infamous."
I'm recording this video so that
if anything happens to me,
you'll know
the Islamic Emirate is responsible.
We are an educated generation,
which is why they're afraid of us!
We fight for the pen.
We fight against ignorance.
We are not the women of 20 years ago.
We are educated women who won't
be quiet against the Islamic Emirate.
The next Afghan president will be a woman.
Today, they oppress us.
They are still afraid of us,
even with our empty hands.
We want freedom, we want our jobs,
we want freedom, we want bread!
Work, bread, freedom!
Work, bread, education!
Work, bread, education!
MASTER JALAL'S VOICE
RESONATES WITH THE PEOPLE
We've come to demonstrate.
Of course the Taliban are here, armed.
They're surrounding us,
blocking our protest.
The situation is bad.
The Special Forces are here.
They're blocking us.
They're shooting tear gas,
they're going to blind us.
Zahra?
Yesterday, there was
an apocalypse in Kabul.
Dr. Zahra Mohammadi was arrested.
Another seven girls have been arrested
in addition to the 12
arrested three days ago.
Three days ago, 40 girls
tried to flee a nearby safe house.
Some got away,
but the Taliban kept 12 of them.
May God be with them,
you cannot trust these savages.
You never know what they'll do
to a young girl.
May God help the girls.
May God help them.
Everywhere, clouds and fog and rain.
Today, some kids left.
Mirjam, Sahar, Baktash,
Razma and Rahela.
My heart was ripped apart
for the thousandth time.
Since Kabul fell,
we feel this misery every day.
I'm disgusted by this room.
I never thought I'd miss them this much.
They debased my people, one by one.
Murdered us by the minute
the day they took our resources.
Overnight, our dreams turned to dust.
Every second we feel the agony
of leaving our homeland.
We don't belong anywhere,
we can't wish for anything.
There's no point
in trying to buy anything,
because we don't know
how much we can take with us.
We have nothing. It's too hard.
I had a few friends,
and they all left tonight.
If the Taliban search my house
when I'm there...
...I cannot imagine.
That's why I don't want to be
in the house anymore,
in case they come and search.
I'm afraid.
A girl was killed in the alley
a few days ago.
Isn't that right?
Isn't that scary?
I was planning to leave the country
to study.
ICCR Scholarship.
What year was it?
Most people in Afghanistan get
passports to travel abroad,
but I got mine to study abroad.
When was it?
2020, the end of 2020.
The person who handled my passport
warned me
not to use a picture like this.
She said if the Taliban
ever came back, I'd be in trouble.
I can't tell my family
that I'm participating in protests.
My mom will kick me out of the house,
and then where could I possibly go
under the circumstances?
These days, the Taliban won't let women
go outside without a chaperone.
Silencing Afghan women is inhumane.
We will not be intimidated into silence.
They cannot drown out our voices.
We support any voice that rises
in any part of Afghanistan.
Free Zahra Mohammadi!
They closed all the primary schools
for girls, and everyone was silent.
They closed universities for girls,
and everyone was silent.
They've banned all education for girls.
There is no other option but suicide.
Down with the Taliban!
You are monsters!
Education is our right,
we won't back off!
FREEDOM IS EVERY WOMAN'S BIRTHRIGHSharifeh, let's go. That's enough!
Sharifeh, let's go.
I love you, my sweet sister.
Did they beat you badly?
Praise to God, we have you home.
Thank God, thank God.
I have to sit for a minute.
I saw Tamana, they turned her red.
- Did you see it with your own eyes?
- They've beaten Tamana.
When Tamana came and hugged me,
I looked at her and said,
"Where have I seen you?"
and I realized it was her.
I saw Parvana.
Morsal was freed with me.
Thank God, thank God.
Why did they keep Tamana and Parvana?
They've beaten them so badly.
- Did they beat you badly?
- No, no one hit me.
Those girls are from Panjshir.
[woman] Perhaps it's because
they're from Panjshir.
We want the Taliban to leave our country.
I wish this moment was just a bad dream.
That one day,
we'd wake up and see our own flags
and our own police in the streets.
Long live Afghanistan!
Free Tamana and Parvana!
Work, bread, education!
We want the Taliban to die!
We want to re-open schools
for girls and women!
Work, bread, education!
The girls' goal is not to say
we don't want hijab, we do want hijab.
But hijab is not chador,
hijab is the one
that shows our hands and feet.
Is this the reason for capturing
Tamana and Parvana Ariana?
It's enough. We're tired!
Taliban, Taliban,
violators of human rights!
Justice! Justice!
We are tired of your crimes.
Justice! Justice!
We are tired of your crimes!
Don't be afraid, we are together.
It's in the wrong vein.
It's not inside.
Please, enough. That's enough! It hurts.
Because you were arrested,
I cannot show my face.
I know that there are many active women.
Many of whom fought fiercely,
and were imprisoned for it.
I will not accept this in my family.
Grandpa talks a lot,
it gives me a headache.
My father said
that his daughter might be a hero
for others and her own.
But that I've brought
shame on myself and my family.
My headache is awful.
That's enough. Enough.
Why does he talk so much?
Zahra, come stand behind the door
so that Omid won't see you.
Thank you for your support.
I will always be by your side.
Be sure of that.
MISOGYNY IS A PROGRAM,
HIJAB IS AN EXCUSE.
Education,
work and freedom are our rights.
Women are half of society.
No, write it like this -
Women are half of society.
Work, education,
and cover selection are our rights.
Our basic rights.
The handwriting is fine.
That's right, I'm coming right now.
All right, thank you.
Marzya called me, I'm ready to go.
Mommy, Okay?
Do it if you must. You don't listen to me.
- It's not my job.
- Don't you pray for me?
I pray for you to calm down,
but you don't care what I say.
I can't sleep at night.
I am completely worried about you,
even when my eyes are closed
for half an hour.
I am careful.
I wear a mask, I wear a long dress.
What else can I do? What?
I don't know.
Do whatever you want.
Justice, justice!
We are tired of constraints.
We unite our voices.
Where is Alia?
Where is Alia?
Why did you murder Zeynab?
Why did you murder Zeynab?
Justice, justice!
We are tired of captivity.
People have been painting
on the wall to escape their boredom.
This my painting.
Taranom Jee.
One day I didn't have much to do,
so I came here and painted.
I wrote here, traditional lyrics.
"I love you for all of the people
I haven't seen."
"I have given you my illnesses
and borrowed health from you."
Chaharshanbeh Soori is
the last Wednesday of the year.
Every year,
we build a fire and jump over it.
Releasing all of our troubles
from last year.
For a happy, healthy New Year.
We pray for a free, recovered
Afghanistan in the new year.
Save our country
from the clutches of our enemies,
so we can live peacefully
under the flag of Afghanistan.
BREAD, JOB, EDUCATION.
FREE THE IMPRISONED GIRLS.
Thank God, you're okay.
Let's go out, dear Zahra.
Let's go for a walk, have a little fun.
Don't you agree? You need some fresh air.
Why is your makeup so heavy?
We forced her to put on makeup.
Today is the second day
that I came out.
I'm a little better today.
I'm here with Vahida, Morsal and my mom.
Shokufa,
these teeth need to be extracted,
but the abscess is on the upper teeth.
The Taliban are determined
to create division
among girls through their spies.
They spread hypocrisy.
They arrest girls from inside safe
houses and force them to confess.
Some girls among the activist groups
were secretly working for the Taliban.
This made me so angry,
this was so dispiriting,
that I left the movement.
I'm so tired.
I know I should leave Kabul.
But it'd be very hard for me.
Being away from Kabul and Omid
might be too difficult.
I want a winter velvet dress.
- For what age?
- For four different ages.
Twelve years old, eight years old
five years old, three years old.
I am looking for something more chic.
Put on your clothes, too.
Keep these clothes as souvenirs, okay?
This is the last time
I'll come to your house.
Tidy up, please.
- Whose socks are these?
- Mine, they're mine.
I'm going somewhere to hide.
No one will know where,
not even my father.
Only Omid, that's it.
Take this biscuit with you.
It's yours.
My dear, come and give me a hug.
My dear Omid.
Can you draw a heart under it?
DEAR OMID,
GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Don't cry. Please don't cry.
Now that I cannot work in an office,
I have to find some way
to be active at home.
It's boring, but it's better than nothing.
It helps me pass the time.
Zohra had her interview.
Maybe she will leave before us
or with us, we don't know.
We held a goodbye party.
Have a good trip.
Strong women are always lonely women.
Don't forget, women become strong alone.
I love you very much.
I love you.
Bye-bye...
They went.
She survived this desert,
we will return to Zabira prison.
All supplies must be clean
before you use it.
Imagine you're using it in your own mouth.
Please abide by the principles
of this clinic.
If you aren't responsible for the patient,
the clinic will be patient-less.
It's heartbreaking to leave my clinic.
More importantly,
how can I leave my friends?
My beloved comrades,
who I met on my path to fight.
It is very hard to say goodbye
to my fellow warrior women.
I come from a conservative family.
I studied hard, became a doctor,
and was able to maintain my work
despite a very dark time in my country.
I can't bear the thought
of the Taliban possibly
burning it all to the ground.
Everything I've worked for.
Yesterday, an official
from the safe house came to tell us
that we cannot stay here anymore.
We had to leave.
We are in a dire situation.
We don't even have money.
I wish we had money.
Our families are in Kabul
and their visas are not ready,
it has become
increasingly controversial.
Each visa costs 450 dollars,
our appointment has been
canceled for the fifth time.
In the midst of everything,
this car is also scrap
and turns on and off all the time.
We're feeling our poverty.
We have no one to rely on.
We have no one to help us except God.
This is the height
of our misery and displacement.
We're even tired of crying.
I don't have tears anymore.
Since yesterday, we've been
roaming the streets like stray dogs.
I swear to God.
Look, look there.
I fear it's a kidnapping.
One of them had a gun.
Omid, look at this car. Its glass is grey.
I saw Zahra get in this car.
- Is she your wife?
- Yes.
Rewind it a bit.
I want to check one more time.
He came and asked
where Dr. Zahra was, and left.
- Did he come back?
- Yes.
Are we sure
the video's time stamp is accurate?
Of course the car's windows are tinted.
It's almost impossible
to see through them.
Play it, play it.
It has been several months
since Dr. Zahra Mohammadi
disappeared from her office.
No one knows where she is.
It has been a year since schools
and universities closed.
Since all Afghan women
have been at home.
It's three o'clock in the morning.
Some nights, I wake up
and a glass of boiling water,
a pen and a book are the companions
for my lonely moments.
We remain under Taliban mandates.
The situation is grim.
Kabul is totally devastated.
I miss everything.
I miss the days when
girls dressed in colors,
not black.
IN ALLAH, LET BELIEVERS PUT THEIR TRUST.
My crime is
that I begged for justice.
I must hide here
because I demanded freedom.
I demanded freedom for women
and for my homeland.
I have to be away from my family.
But this kitty is always next to me.
Activist women are hidden
in places like this.
Please note that this will be very useful
for a university entrance exam.
For example, I say a sentence
about Afghanistan.
I think about Afghanistan.
I am saying, "I think about Afghanistan."
My mother believes
that dreams reveal the future.
To nullify a nightmare,
recount it to water.
After my engagement ceremony,
I dreamt of Rawze-i-Sharif.
People were praying,
normal life was in motion.
Suddenly, lightning struck.
The bakers carried bread in coffins.
Suddenly, the sky was raining stones.
When I woke up,
I shared my dream with the rain.
O Cameleer,
slow down,
you are carrying my soul.
She grabbed my heart,
then took it away.
Dowry is based on
how much the husband can afford to pay.
The amount has not been determined
by Sharia law.
After two years of being in love,
we got engaged.
At the ceremony,
he was in the men's section
and I was with the women.
- Do you want her and accept her?
- I want her and accept her.
Down with the Taliban!
Long live Afghanistan!
Allah-o-Akbar!
- Take a video, take a video!
- I'm taking it!
There are hundreds of
Islamic authority military forces.
They have surrounded us from four sides.
We are just 12 women.
But already, we resist.
I told you I'm taking a video,
do not call me.
There is no electricity, is there?
This generator is broken.
Up until now,
the Taliban have not bothered doctors.
Though they just ordered me
to remove my name from my clinic board.
I hope it's not
the beginning of closing my office.
Where is my mask?
Drink room temperature water
for a few days.
Then come back here.
Jameel, look at my camera.
We've been out here
since yesterday at six o'clock...
Let me see my face.
We've been waiting at the airport
since yesterday at six o'clock.
We tried many gates,
but couldn't get through.
May God help us.
There were 30 or 40 of us.
Half became so disappointed
they went home.
The remaining half
continue to stand strong.
May God help us.
You two, be careful!
An exciting memory remains for you two.
You're just kids.
Rahela, Zohra, Farzana, Mina and me.
And this way, the men. Sami...
Look at me, dear Jameel!
We are still waiting.
We tried every single gate,
but did not succeed.
This is gate 1, and it is very crowded.
Unfortunately, they are using tear gas.
There is still so much chaos,
ongoing explosions...
Hello to a depressed
and displaced city.
Kabul.
Last month the Afghan flag
was taken down from my office.
And I was forced to remain at home.
Our demonstration was stopped
by the officers of the Ministry
of Virtue and Vice, and their cars.
While three Taliban
were beating me severely,
the rest of the girls got involved.
I screamed at the Taliban.
Now we're all scattered in taxis.
The sign is inside.
Make sure it faces the street.
I will do whatever you ask.
Make sure the welding is strong enough
that the wind and rain will not damage it.
I'll go get prepared.
What else do you need?
Don't worry, I'll be back in a bit.
Please return as soon as possible.
Work, bread, education.
At this time, the Taliban
have ordered women to remain at home.
They've warned us not to protest,
or we'll be arrested.
But we will not be silenced.
We plan to raise our voices
for the women who are already imprisoned.
What should I write?
My hand is in pain, I cannot write.
Free the opposing girls.
Wait, the pretext is...
Let's write this, "Stop the arrests!"
Litigation is the right of every citizen.
When I go to fancy restaurants
with Omid, and they're empty...
...he says to pretend we're in London.
When we come out,
he says we're back in Afghanistan.
These days, my only happiness
is to teach my mother how to read,
and to help my brother with his studies.
- Did you write it down?
- Yes.
In 2019, the Washington Post published
part of the secret documents
of the American presence in Afghanistan
which became known
as the Afghanistan Papers.
Do you understand it?
The nontransparent atmosphere
of Afghanistan
was the best opportunity
for American companies
to take over
a large part of American funds.
Fox News calls it windfall gains.
- What is this word?
- It said that the Internet...
The internet is sold
in thousands of stores in the UK.
I think it says nothing is growing faster
than the internet...?
There should not be a space here.
Start over.
Be sure to move carefully in the streets.
Because the Taliban
are still arresting girls.
Nothing worked.
We knocked on every single gate,
but nothing opened.
They didn't accept any
of the documents that we shared.
We have to stay. We have to fight.
There is no other option right now.
Education, work, freedom!
Please don't beat me...
Today's demonstration involved women,
at their will,
gathering to protest
the closure of schools,
and teachers not returning to work.
Unfortunately, the protest became violent.
Still, all women stand together.
Down with terrorists!
Right now, girls who are educated
through 12th grade
have to stay at home.
They had dreams of becoming doctors,
engineers, teachers.
Of serving their homeland.
It's tragic that our girls
are stuck at home.
They had dreams!
WE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
Work, bread, education!
Down with poverty and misery!
Do not politicize education!
Please, I'm a journalist...
a journalist!
There are so many unfair restrictions,
they won't allow us
to demonstrate properly.
Since the start of our mission,
they've wanted to stop us
with whips and sticks in their hands.
As you can see,
several journalists were beaten.
Girls, come this way.
Get in the car right now! Get in!
He's talking to you, get in the car!
I will not!
Make her get in the car!
- I'm taking you to the police station.
- Where?
Fine, and then what?
- You've just come to terrorize women?
- I said shut up!
You think you're so tough?
I told you not to talk.
I will kill you right now, right here!
Then come and kill me, right now!
He won't do anything to me!
You will not!
Why did you close the university?
Shut up or I'll kill you.
Then kill me!
You closed universities and schools.
You might as well kill me!
Calm down, calm down.
Calm down, it's the police chief's order.
You think you're so powerful
arresting women?
You're desperate for power over us.
The arrest of female protesters
by the Taliban in recent weeks...
Yesterday, a group of girls
marched in the streets of Kabul,
they were holding placards
on which they demanded jobs
and financial independence for women.
The public are very concerned
about the condition
of the women who've been arrested.
I'm proud of the girls
who participate in demonstrations.
But I can't join them,
my mother won't allow it.
Almost ready.
Where are my shoes?
I wore them, they're here.
The weather is warmer today, isn't it?
Come take some pictures of me,
bored at home.
Coming to the rooftop to look around
is a sad solution for my longings.
I am so tired of this situation.
I miss everything I had.
I miss the trips we used to take.
We don't have the right to work.
We don't have the right to study.
Everything has been taken from me.
From my same sex,
from my fellow warriors,
from my fellow travelers.
These days, I only come up to the roof
and down to my home.
"Damn a bad mood
and bad year and loneliness.
And spring, which is torment,
where are you without me?"
Take my photo?
For many reasons, I couldn't stay here.
Unfortunately, I have to go to Pakistan.
From the moment I arrive,
I will film my life.
Second to second.
May history remember
that once upon a time,
such cruelty was permitted
against the women of Afghanistan.
Before the United Nations.
Before all human rights organizations.
Before the whole world.
Before countries
that denounce cold-heartedness
and cry for democracy.
Afghan women have become
victims of policies everywhere.
For me, there is no choice but to flee.
Hello and hi...
Here, you can see plains
and deserts and reeds.
This is the current safe house,
our living area.
This is the building we live in.
It has 10-12 rooms,
and each room accommodates
approximately 3, 4, 5, 10 people.
This side was full of reeds,
and there were more snakes
and jackals than you can imagine.
At ten pm they start howling.
So, for the last two days,
they set fire to the area
to gradually reduce it.
Here, as you see,
they are burning the reeds
so the animals get lost.
We don't have a washing machine,
so our clothes are still dirty.
We don't have a kettle for hot water.
We don't have a TV.
They brought one but it was destroyed,
so they threw it away.
We can't find a doctor.
I have been complaining
since this morning,
but no one's helped us.
I have an awful toothache,
I'm in such pain.
- Hello, how are you?
- I'm fine, thank you.
Everything has become so expensive,
and everyone's income is very low.
You're right.
Some say there will be war,
others say a new government.
Everyone has different predictions.
- There's no end to it.
- There's no end to it at all,
there's no end to it
for the Hazara people.
Playing music in the car is illegal.
A woman cannot take a taxi alone.
My mother is always worried about me,
but I want to be active,
to be seen.
So I went to distribute food...
...alongside my friends.
Ma'am, they haven't called your name yet,
you can wait, okay?
Will you find me
if they call my name?
Yes, I will find you
if they call your name.
Who else is there?
Soraya.
Go to the back,
they will call your name.
Why are you leaving the country?
I know our lives are in danger,
but you've never taken off your mask.
So why are you leaving?
I'm afraid that someday they'll discover
that I'm on your team.
Which scares me.
Education is our right!
You have brought horror for us
instead of safety.
We want nothing to do with you!
These protestors demonstrated
around the Ministry of Finance,
but the reporters who were there
to cover the demonstration
were met with the cruelty
of the Islamic Emirate.
We are here, as always,
to demand justice.
We want the girls' schools to re-open,
and for the Ministry
of Women's Affairs to re-open.
But today we have another goal,
to highlight the terrible
economic conditions surrounding us.
- Ms. Mohammadi?
- Yes, my love.
Which food can you cook best?
I'm so busy
that I have no time for cooking.
I mean, for example,
which food do you like to cook most?
Not to brag, but I can cook anything.
Not everyone is brave enough
to risk their life against terrorism.
You fight even though
you've been threatened?
Yes, I've been threatened.
We gave up our lives
the day we demanded justice.
We'd sacrifice our lives
for this country and its people.
Even though I didn't have
permission from my family,
I went and stood fearlessly
against the new regime.
I demanded rights
that Afghan women won't even demand
from their own fathers or brothers.
The Afghan woman is first oppressed
at home,
by her father, brother and husband.
These are the streets of Pakistan.
And these are its Jogis.
This is Rahela and Maryam's
goodbye party.
They'll go to Spain
alongside Sahar and Baktash.
They invited everyone
to their goodbye party.
Girls, don't be loud in our clinic,
we're under restrictions.
What's going on?
What's with all the noise?
Do you want them to discover us?
How much will you pay?
Where should I sit? I won't fit.
Sit two by two.
Is this camera yours?
They're making a documentary.
It's for Ms. Sahra Mani.
That's okay.
Don't worry.
We are gathered here
from various activist groups.
We met after the Taliban rose to power,
while protesting the new regime.
We didn't know each other before then.
Fighting for our rights
brought us together.
A woman that earned the benefits
of using our name for many years
took her whole family
out of the country,
and now she is lobbying for the
Taliban to be officially recognized.
Why should the Taliban be recognized?
They say the Taliban is the truth
in Afghanistan,
a truth you should tolerate.
Some have said our organization is
chaotic, but it's quite the opposite.
It's also diverse.
We have poets and writers.
We give everyone an opportunity
to offer their opinions on slogans,
on the time and place of protests.
We also wear colorful clothes,
use perfume and wear high-heeled boots.
We breathe freely
and we have fun in the park.
Ladies, can I?
I spoke to a woman
who said we should
write our own history.
She affected me deeply.
I want to build a library,
to encourage women to become writers,
to write their own stories.
I feel we are not yet properly celebrated
around the world.
This time, everyone must first accept
that women will turn the pages
of this revolution.
Second, that this revolution
is a civil revolution.
Why? Because other revolutions
that relied on power,
weapons, violence, warmongering
and killing people didn't work.
Now, we're trying to pave the road
for a civil revolution.
A revolution of thought,
with the unity of our youth,
and with acceptance of each other.
- Hi, how are you?
- Welcome.
Are you okay?
I'm so glad you're here.
Me too.
How are you, are you ok?
Please don't get up.
What's going on?
Did you bring the music?
I swear, I downloaded it
but forgot to bring it.
In the restricted society
of Afghanistan,
women are always the victims.
The new regime tried to rescind
Sharifeh's marriage license
because she had a job.
They asked why she was working.
Did they have a reason
for why she shouldn't be working?
They must have mentioned a reason?
Women should work and study,
it's wrong for them to only exist
under the hijab, stuck at home.
Everything is backwards now.
Her husband said he wouldn't
file for divorce.
That she would sit in the house
until her hair was
as white as her teeth.
Some women will wait an eternity
for men who abandon them.
In Afghanistan, women are slaves.
The washing machine is broken
because it's been over-used.
Dirty laundry has been stacked up
for almost two months.
Usually, I'd wash my clothes
and hang them out back to dry.
There's a wild dog in here
that will probably eat us
if they let him loose.
And I don't think it'll be our turn
for another month.
The weather is awful,
so we can't hand-wash outside.
It's too cold.
"The other day, someone made
a Facebook account in my name.
The fake account published slurs about me,
and used my personal photos
that were taken in our group meetings.
I've felt deflated these last few days.
I was quiet,
not active at all in the group.
The girls tried so hard to discover
who was behind the account, to hack it.
They finally did, but the fraud
managed to make another account
and used the photos I took
with the French reporters.
They threatened me.
Now I'm worried about what might happen.
That this trail of fake accounts
might project a false image of me.
I'm thankful for every one of my sisters
who stood by me,
who sympathized with me."
I never want to be away from you all, ever.
I have a Talib in my house.
I already told you,
I have a Talib living in my house.
I can show you
how badly I've been beaten by him.
The women in prison haven't been
beaten up as much as I've been.
I am only human,
how much more can I suffer?
I fight for freedom during the day,
and get beaten up at night.
I cry for freedom for all women,
as I myself am tortured.
They brought my picture
to the store and said,
"We have business with this woman."
Don't worry, it'll be okay.
You're a warrior.
We are next year's presidents.
I have fighter friends.
For me, God is first
and then you guys.
Goodbye, be careful.
Bread...
Freedom...
It's good.
Let's get lost, leave it as it is.
BREAD, WORK, FREEDOM
Dozens of women have protested
following the economic collapse
and subsequent poverty.
They want the Islamic Emirate
to do something
about their work
in political administrations,
to have access to economical activities
and the continuation
of women's education.
Today's demonstration was
on behalf of our helplessness.
Women are not permitted to work
and earn an income...
Did you set the table?
Did you place the linen?
Did you wash your hands?
The situation has become so dire
I feel I must join the girls.
I'm going to sneak out
against my parents' wishes.
We are going out to buy things
for Yalda night.
We gathered all the money in a hat.
Around a hundred dollars,
which is about 20 Afghani.
- What do you want to buy?
- Four kilos of pomegranate.
There are 35 of us,
so we'll have five kilos of these.
Curse them, they don't have any nuts!
What do you want to buy?
There aren't many options here.
We all had plans for Yalda night.
We always paid such respect
on Yalda night.
But now we're all refugees,
scattered around the world.
HAPPY YALD NIGHT!
We will never let them go,
those who insulted the Islamic hijab.
When the Taliban broke the lock
and opened the door,
the girl broke her balcony's glass
and jumped over.
Help!
The Taliban are in my house,
and my sisters are in the house!
We don't want to open the door!
If you want to talk, please come tomorrow.
We cannot have you
near these girls tonight.
We don't want to open the door!
Help, help!
We'll never forgive those
who insulted the hijab.
We regard them as prostitutes.
I bet they will take a video
of Tamana,
and force her to say
it was all a misunderstanding.
Do you have any painkillers for me?
I'm glad to finally participate,
to represent women's voices.
Could you please write these sentences?
I'm writing, "Stand With Women."
Hold your hand like this.
Stand with women in Afghanistan.
Say it together, one more time.
Stand with women in Afghanistan.
Should I write "where is?" or "where are?"
WHERE ARE TAMANA AND HER SISTERS?
Each one of us represents all of us.
Free the captives, destroy ignorance.
Where are Tamana
and her sister, Parvana?
Remove your masks,
we'll take a photo now.
Is this a photo?
Let's take a photo.
DON'T BE FOOLISH, FREE IMPRISONED WOMEN
Finally, it's our turn.
I've been coming and going for days,
it's never the right time.
Now, it's my turn to wash my clothes.
I've washed my clothes and drained them
because it's so cold outside.
It's raining, too.
I'll take it to my room.
Zarifa Salangy returned to Afghanistan.
I told you some women
supported the Taliban,
you didn't believe me.
Will you come to our house again?
Today, I'm going to my own house.
Where's my jacket?
Stay at our house,
outside is dangerous.
Since the Taliban are searching
for female activists,
I'll stay in my house one night
and at yours the next night.
Then Laila's.
Bye, sweetie.
Dear Shahrzad, bye-bye.
Lock the doors.
Do not open them for anyone.
If anyone asks about your aunt
Zahra Mohammadi,
please say you do not know her.
If anyone asks in school,
you must not say a thing.
I haven't bought any new clothes.
I brought all my clothes from Kabul.
If I ever become arrogant,
I will remember myself like this.
When I only had 20 Afghanis.
I will never forget.
Also, five dollars that I saved here,
for a blessing.
It's been five months
since I arrived in Pakistan.
My family stayed in Kabul.
So much of my pain is...
...from being forced to abandon my life.
The pain of being a refugee.
Of being a captive.
Vagrancy, poverty.
The controversy surrounding
the girls, my friends.
The pain of losing your homeland.
The pain of your family
being in the hands
of the most depraved people on Earth.
It is all too much.
WE DEMAND EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
AND TO PROTECT CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
How many slogans were printed?
Twelve.
Today we have a demonstration behind
the Ministry of Women's Affairs.
Last night, the Taliban called me.
They asked my name,
and if I would cancel the protests.
I told them I was not responsible
for every gathering.
They said I was responsible
for terrorist attacks,
and that I should cancel the protest.
I told them I was not responsible for it.
One of them said,
"I'll meet you tomorrow at 1 pm."
I said, "Are you threatening me?
Will you kill me?"
He said, "You'll see."
I said, "Why are you calling me?"
He said, "Because you are infamous."
I'm recording this video so that
if anything happens to me,
you'll know
the Islamic Emirate is responsible.
We are an educated generation,
which is why they're afraid of us!
We fight for the pen.
We fight against ignorance.
We are not the women of 20 years ago.
We are educated women who won't
be quiet against the Islamic Emirate.
The next Afghan president will be a woman.
Today, they oppress us.
They are still afraid of us,
even with our empty hands.
We want freedom, we want our jobs,
we want freedom, we want bread!
Work, bread, freedom!
Work, bread, education!
Work, bread, education!
MASTER JALAL'S VOICE
RESONATES WITH THE PEOPLE
We've come to demonstrate.
Of course the Taliban are here, armed.
They're surrounding us,
blocking our protest.
The situation is bad.
The Special Forces are here.
They're blocking us.
They're shooting tear gas,
they're going to blind us.
Zahra?
Yesterday, there was
an apocalypse in Kabul.
Dr. Zahra Mohammadi was arrested.
Another seven girls have been arrested
in addition to the 12
arrested three days ago.
Three days ago, 40 girls
tried to flee a nearby safe house.
Some got away,
but the Taliban kept 12 of them.
May God be with them,
you cannot trust these savages.
You never know what they'll do
to a young girl.
May God help the girls.
May God help them.
Everywhere, clouds and fog and rain.
Today, some kids left.
Mirjam, Sahar, Baktash,
Razma and Rahela.
My heart was ripped apart
for the thousandth time.
Since Kabul fell,
we feel this misery every day.
I'm disgusted by this room.
I never thought I'd miss them this much.
They debased my people, one by one.
Murdered us by the minute
the day they took our resources.
Overnight, our dreams turned to dust.
Every second we feel the agony
of leaving our homeland.
We don't belong anywhere,
we can't wish for anything.
There's no point
in trying to buy anything,
because we don't know
how much we can take with us.
We have nothing. It's too hard.
I had a few friends,
and they all left tonight.
If the Taliban search my house
when I'm there...
...I cannot imagine.
That's why I don't want to be
in the house anymore,
in case they come and search.
I'm afraid.
A girl was killed in the alley
a few days ago.
Isn't that right?
Isn't that scary?
I was planning to leave the country
to study.
ICCR Scholarship.
What year was it?
Most people in Afghanistan get
passports to travel abroad,
but I got mine to study abroad.
When was it?
2020, the end of 2020.
The person who handled my passport
warned me
not to use a picture like this.
She said if the Taliban
ever came back, I'd be in trouble.
I can't tell my family
that I'm participating in protests.
My mom will kick me out of the house,
and then where could I possibly go
under the circumstances?
These days, the Taliban won't let women
go outside without a chaperone.
Silencing Afghan women is inhumane.
We will not be intimidated into silence.
They cannot drown out our voices.
We support any voice that rises
in any part of Afghanistan.
Free Zahra Mohammadi!
They closed all the primary schools
for girls, and everyone was silent.
They closed universities for girls,
and everyone was silent.
They've banned all education for girls.
There is no other option but suicide.
Down with the Taliban!
You are monsters!
Education is our right,
we won't back off!
FREEDOM IS EVERY WOMAN'S BIRTHRIGHSharifeh, let's go. That's enough!
Sharifeh, let's go.
I love you, my sweet sister.
Did they beat you badly?
Praise to God, we have you home.
Thank God, thank God.
I have to sit for a minute.
I saw Tamana, they turned her red.
- Did you see it with your own eyes?
- They've beaten Tamana.
When Tamana came and hugged me,
I looked at her and said,
"Where have I seen you?"
and I realized it was her.
I saw Parvana.
Morsal was freed with me.
Thank God, thank God.
Why did they keep Tamana and Parvana?
They've beaten them so badly.
- Did they beat you badly?
- No, no one hit me.
Those girls are from Panjshir.
[woman] Perhaps it's because
they're from Panjshir.
We want the Taliban to leave our country.
I wish this moment was just a bad dream.
That one day,
we'd wake up and see our own flags
and our own police in the streets.
Long live Afghanistan!
Free Tamana and Parvana!
Work, bread, education!
We want the Taliban to die!
We want to re-open schools
for girls and women!
Work, bread, education!
The girls' goal is not to say
we don't want hijab, we do want hijab.
But hijab is not chador,
hijab is the one
that shows our hands and feet.
Is this the reason for capturing
Tamana and Parvana Ariana?
It's enough. We're tired!
Taliban, Taliban,
violators of human rights!
Justice! Justice!
We are tired of your crimes.
Justice! Justice!
We are tired of your crimes!
Don't be afraid, we are together.
It's in the wrong vein.
It's not inside.
Please, enough. That's enough! It hurts.
Because you were arrested,
I cannot show my face.
I know that there are many active women.
Many of whom fought fiercely,
and were imprisoned for it.
I will not accept this in my family.
Grandpa talks a lot,
it gives me a headache.
My father said
that his daughter might be a hero
for others and her own.
But that I've brought
shame on myself and my family.
My headache is awful.
That's enough. Enough.
Why does he talk so much?
Zahra, come stand behind the door
so that Omid won't see you.
Thank you for your support.
I will always be by your side.
Be sure of that.
MISOGYNY IS A PROGRAM,
HIJAB IS AN EXCUSE.
Education,
work and freedom are our rights.
Women are half of society.
No, write it like this -
Women are half of society.
Work, education,
and cover selection are our rights.
Our basic rights.
The handwriting is fine.
That's right, I'm coming right now.
All right, thank you.
Marzya called me, I'm ready to go.
Mommy, Okay?
Do it if you must. You don't listen to me.
- It's not my job.
- Don't you pray for me?
I pray for you to calm down,
but you don't care what I say.
I can't sleep at night.
I am completely worried about you,
even when my eyes are closed
for half an hour.
I am careful.
I wear a mask, I wear a long dress.
What else can I do? What?
I don't know.
Do whatever you want.
Justice, justice!
We are tired of constraints.
We unite our voices.
Where is Alia?
Where is Alia?
Why did you murder Zeynab?
Why did you murder Zeynab?
Justice, justice!
We are tired of captivity.
People have been painting
on the wall to escape their boredom.
This my painting.
Taranom Jee.
One day I didn't have much to do,
so I came here and painted.
I wrote here, traditional lyrics.
"I love you for all of the people
I haven't seen."
"I have given you my illnesses
and borrowed health from you."
Chaharshanbeh Soori is
the last Wednesday of the year.
Every year,
we build a fire and jump over it.
Releasing all of our troubles
from last year.
For a happy, healthy New Year.
We pray for a free, recovered
Afghanistan in the new year.
Save our country
from the clutches of our enemies,
so we can live peacefully
under the flag of Afghanistan.
BREAD, JOB, EDUCATION.
FREE THE IMPRISONED GIRLS.
Thank God, you're okay.
Let's go out, dear Zahra.
Let's go for a walk, have a little fun.
Don't you agree? You need some fresh air.
Why is your makeup so heavy?
We forced her to put on makeup.
Today is the second day
that I came out.
I'm a little better today.
I'm here with Vahida, Morsal and my mom.
Shokufa,
these teeth need to be extracted,
but the abscess is on the upper teeth.
The Taliban are determined
to create division
among girls through their spies.
They spread hypocrisy.
They arrest girls from inside safe
houses and force them to confess.
Some girls among the activist groups
were secretly working for the Taliban.
This made me so angry,
this was so dispiriting,
that I left the movement.
I'm so tired.
I know I should leave Kabul.
But it'd be very hard for me.
Being away from Kabul and Omid
might be too difficult.
I want a winter velvet dress.
- For what age?
- For four different ages.
Twelve years old, eight years old
five years old, three years old.
I am looking for something more chic.
Put on your clothes, too.
Keep these clothes as souvenirs, okay?
This is the last time
I'll come to your house.
Tidy up, please.
- Whose socks are these?
- Mine, they're mine.
I'm going somewhere to hide.
No one will know where,
not even my father.
Only Omid, that's it.
Take this biscuit with you.
It's yours.
My dear, come and give me a hug.
My dear Omid.
Can you draw a heart under it?
DEAR OMID,
GOODBYE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
Don't cry. Please don't cry.
Now that I cannot work in an office,
I have to find some way
to be active at home.
It's boring, but it's better than nothing.
It helps me pass the time.
Zohra had her interview.
Maybe she will leave before us
or with us, we don't know.
We held a goodbye party.
Have a good trip.
Strong women are always lonely women.
Don't forget, women become strong alone.
I love you very much.
I love you.
Bye-bye...
They went.
She survived this desert,
we will return to Zabira prison.
All supplies must be clean
before you use it.
Imagine you're using it in your own mouth.
Please abide by the principles
of this clinic.
If you aren't responsible for the patient,
the clinic will be patient-less.
It's heartbreaking to leave my clinic.
More importantly,
how can I leave my friends?
My beloved comrades,
who I met on my path to fight.
It is very hard to say goodbye
to my fellow warrior women.
I come from a conservative family.
I studied hard, became a doctor,
and was able to maintain my work
despite a very dark time in my country.
I can't bear the thought
of the Taliban possibly
burning it all to the ground.
Everything I've worked for.
Yesterday, an official
from the safe house came to tell us
that we cannot stay here anymore.
We had to leave.
We are in a dire situation.
We don't even have money.
I wish we had money.
Our families are in Kabul
and their visas are not ready,
it has become
increasingly controversial.
Each visa costs 450 dollars,
our appointment has been
canceled for the fifth time.
In the midst of everything,
this car is also scrap
and turns on and off all the time.
We're feeling our poverty.
We have no one to rely on.
We have no one to help us except God.
This is the height
of our misery and displacement.
We're even tired of crying.
I don't have tears anymore.
Since yesterday, we've been
roaming the streets like stray dogs.
I swear to God.
Look, look there.
I fear it's a kidnapping.
One of them had a gun.
Omid, look at this car. Its glass is grey.
I saw Zahra get in this car.
- Is she your wife?
- Yes.
Rewind it a bit.
I want to check one more time.
He came and asked
where Dr. Zahra was, and left.
- Did he come back?
- Yes.
Are we sure
the video's time stamp is accurate?
Of course the car's windows are tinted.
It's almost impossible
to see through them.
Play it, play it.
It has been several months
since Dr. Zahra Mohammadi
disappeared from her office.
No one knows where she is.
It has been a year since schools
and universities closed.
Since all Afghan women
have been at home.
It's three o'clock in the morning.
Some nights, I wake up
and a glass of boiling water,
a pen and a book are the companions
for my lonely moments.
We remain under Taliban mandates.
The situation is grim.
Kabul is totally devastated.
I miss everything.
I miss the days when
girls dressed in colors,
not black.
IN ALLAH, LET BELIEVERS PUT THEIR TRUST.
My crime is
that I begged for justice.
I must hide here
because I demanded freedom.
I demanded freedom for women
and for my homeland.
I have to be away from my family.
But this kitty is always next to me.
Activist women are hidden
in places like this.
Please note that this will be very useful
for a university entrance exam.
For example, I say a sentence
about Afghanistan.
I think about Afghanistan.
I am saying, "I think about Afghanistan."