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In an event marked by glitz and glamour, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence brought an urgent humanitarian message to the 76th Cannes International Film Festival, showcasing a powerful documentary about the hardships endured by Afghan women since the Taliban's resurgence in power.
"Bread and Roses" Sheds Light on Afghan Women's Struggle
"Don't forget the Afghan women", implored Zahra Mohamadi, one of the participants in the documentary, "Bread and Roses". The film was officially presented by Lawrence, who is also one of the producers, on Sunday night in Cannes.
Crafted by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, the documentary stitches together haunting footage captured on mobile phones by local activists. It provides a chilling overview of these women's ongoing struggle for basic rights in a society increasingly dominated by oppressive forces.
“This film has a message from women in Afghanistan, a soft message: please be their voice who are voiceless under Taliban dictatorship,” said Mani during the film's premiere. She underscored the need to share these stories, especially now that women in Afghanistan are strictly regulated, even banned from leaving their homes without a veil.
An Unignorable Reality: Life Under the Taliban Rule
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures against women, marking a significant setback in their pursuit of freedom and equality.
The new rules forbid girls from attending high schools and universities, and they are even prohibited from walking in public parks. Furthermore, Afghan women are barred from working for domestic and foreign non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations.
Mani painted a grim picture of the reality that these women face daily, saying, “The way in which their lives have changed under the Taliban is an everyday reality for us. It’s life under a dictatorship, a cruel reality we cannot ignore”.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere of the film festival in Cannes, Lawrence's involvement and the presentation of "Bread and Roses" casts a poignant spotlight on a grave humanitarian issue. The festival will conclude on May 27, leaving attendees with much to ponder beyond the realm of the silver screen.
