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Afghan Girls Robotics Team Story Told in New Film “Rule Breakers”
Table of Contents
- Afghan Girls Robotics Team Story Told in New Film “Rule Breakers”
- Angel Studios Broadens It’s Horizons
- Assembling the Team
- International Attention and Political Intervention
- Challenges Beyond the Competition
- A Feel-Good Movie with a Powerful Message
- afghan girls’ Robotics Team: A Powerful Story of Courage, STEM, and Empowerment
- Afghan Girls, Robots, adn Revolution: A Conversation on STEM, Courage, and Empowerment
The remarkable journey of several Afghan girls who dared to dream of competing in a U.S. robotics competition in 2017 is now the subject of an inspiring new movie, “Rule Breakers.” This PG-rated film, distributed by Angel Studios, delves into the backstory of the team and what unfolded after their initial attempt to reach the competition. the movie presents a compelling narrative of courage and determination, reminiscent of “bend it Like Beckham” but with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) rather than soccer. The film highlights the challenges faced by young women pursuing education in conflict zones.
The film opens with a dramatic scene: siblings Roya, Elaha, and Ali Mahboob are driving when they are ambushed. A gunman opens fire, and they narrowly escape when the rifle malfunctions. This attack underscores the dangers Roya faced for teaching young girls how to use computers. She had established 10 classrooms in Herat and Kabul. To attract investors,Roya decides to form an Afghan girls robotics team to compete internationally.
roya,played by Nikohl Boosheri,passionately conveys her belief in the power of knowledge.
Knowledge is power,she tells her students, adding,This is no longer our fathers’, our grandfathers’ afghanistan. This is our Afghanistan, too.
Angel Studios Broadens It’s Horizons
Angel Studios, known for its Christian-themed productions such as “The Chosen,” a TV series about Jesus’ life, is distributing “Rule Breakers.” The studio’s theatrical releases also include “bonhoeffer,” a biopic about a German pastor who resisted Nazi Germany, and “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” a true story about a church adopting dozens of children. With “Rule Breakers,” the studio expands its focus to include meaningful, uplifting entertainment beyond theological stories.
Filmed in Morocco and hungary, “Rule Breakers” includes scenes depicting violence in war-torn Afghanistan but maintains a PG rating by avoiding overly graphic content. The film uses flashbacks to illustrate Roya’s childhood, where she was excluded from computer classes while boys were taught. Later, at university, she challenges the curriculum, stating,
We have five classes a day on Sharia law and zero on computers.
She successfully petitions for change. Despite Roya’s reputation for challenging norms, her brother Ali, played by Noorin Gulamgaus, initially resists her idea of forming a robotics squad.
Roya retorts to Ali,
Don’t say it. ‘You might as well start the Afghan girls’ ice hockey team.’
Assembling the Team
The film takes on a lighter tone as Roya and Ali recruit promising students, reminiscent of heist movies where a team is assembled. Taara (Nina Hosseinzadeh), a car mechanic’s daughter, aspires to be a mechanical engineer. Haadiya (Sara Malal Rowe), a skilled coder, dreams of launching her own company. Esin (Amber Afzali), a mathematics prodigy, wants to study in britain and earn a doctorate. Arezo (Mariam saraj), a video gamer, is chosen to pilot the robots and dreams of owning a red mustang.The team’s first task is to Google “how to build a robot,” with only two months to prepare for the competition in Washington, D.C.
International Attention and Political Intervention
The Afghan Dreamers team gained international attention when their U.S. visas were initially denied. In 2017,President Donald Trump intervened,tasking the State Department with finding a way for the girls to compete.The movie does not mention Mr. Trump, possibly to avoid political polarization, according to speculation regarding co-writer and director Bill Guttentag.
Challenges Beyond the Competition
“Rule Breakers” focuses on the challenges within afghanistan.The contestants’ families worry about the girls having too much freedom.when Esin is photographed touching a male competitor from the Netherlands while signing his shirt, it causes a scandal.The storyline is set before the 2021 U.S. withdrawal, foreshadowing the Taliban’s return and its suppression of women, including banning education after age 12 and restricting their public presence. The film provides a sense of relief by revealing that these young women escaped to the U.S. and Europe.
The film is uplifted by its score by Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal. The audience is invited to support the team as they immerse themselves in competitive robotics, constructing robots to perform tasks such as scooping up balls and throwing them into baskets.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge makes a cameo as a competition host, stating,
You are all from different nations. But you have come here today in the common hope that we can together build a better future through science and technology, which connects us all.
A Feel-Good Movie with a Powerful Message
while “Rule Breakers” may not offer profound cultural insights and the dialog can be direct, it effectively showcases Roya and her students as role models. They break free from societal constraints, fully embody their humanity, and enrich a society that seeks to limit women. The film serves as a feel-good story set against the backdrop of the current challenges faced by Afghan women. It fulfills Angel Studios’ mission to “amplify light.”
“Rule Breakers” is rated PG for thematic material and some violent content.
afghan girls’ Robotics Team: A Powerful Story of Courage, STEM, and Empowerment
Did you know that a film about an Afghan girls’ robotics team, defying immense odds to compete on the world stage, is not just inspiring, but also provides a powerful commentary on education, gender equality, and the enduring human spirit?
interviewer: Dr. Amani Sharma, a leading expert in gender studies and STEM education in conflict zones, welcome to World Today News. “Rule Breakers,” a recent film, chronicles the amazing journey of an afghan girls’ robotics team. can you discuss the film’s meaning in showcasing the challenges and triumphs of women in STEM within a conflict-ridden environment?
Dr.Sharma: The film “Rule Breakers” is incredibly critically important as it highlights the perseverance of women in STEM fields,notably in regions grappling with conflict and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. The Afghan girls’ story exemplifies the challenges faced – lack of access to education, overt safety risks, cultural barriers limiting female participation in science and technology – but more importantly, it showcases the indomitable human spirit that can overcome these obstacles. the film acts as a powerful tool to spark conversations about women’s empowerment in STEM and the critical role education plays in fostering personal growth and societal progress, even amidst adversity. The narrative successfully demonstrates how initiatives in STEM education can be catalysts for positive social change.
Interviewer: The film’s depiction of violence against these young women underscores the dangers faced by those advocating for women’s rights and education in Afghanistan. Can you elaborate on the broader context of this issue?
Dr.Sharma: Absolutely. The challenges highlighted in the film exemplify a global pattern. In many conflict zones, girls and women are frequently enough denied education and opportunities due to conservative social structures combined with the insecurity and disruption caused by armed conflict. This isn’t just about denying access to schooling; it’s about controlling women’s lives and limiting their capacity for self-determination. The attack depicted in “Rule Breakers” underscores the risk that women who dare to step outside these confines face. The film accurately reflects the real-world risks faced by individuals pushing for inclusive education, particularly impacting women’s access to STEM fields. This includes not onyl physical violence, but also social stigma, threats and coercion designed to limit a woman’s participation in educational and professional life.
Interviewer: The film also depicts the team’s struggle to secure visas to compete internationally—a significant hurdle for many aspiring students from developing nations. What are some of the systemic barriers that hinder global participation in international events like robotics competitions?
Dr. Sharma: Securing visas for international competitions is a major obstacle for many students globally, especially those from developing nations. These obstacles are frequently enough multi-layered.Financial constraints considerably limit access to the request process and travel expenses themselves. bureaucratic processes can be cumbersome and confusing, placing added burdens on individuals who might lack support networks to navigate them. Visa application procedures frequently enough don’t consider the unique circumstances of individuals – such as, those involved in STEM fields or coming from conflict zones – and this lack of empathy and responsiveness can create unneeded hurdles. such challenges disproportionately affect women from disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting existing biases within international systems. Streamlining visa processes, offering financial
Afghan Girls, Robots, adn Revolution: A Conversation on STEM, Courage, and Empowerment
Did you know that a single film can illuminate the struggles and triumphs of young women pursuing STEM education in conflict zones, inspiring millions and sparking global conversations about gender equality?
Interviewer: Dr. amani Sharma,a leading expert in gender studies and STEM education in conflict zones,welcome to World Today News. “Rule Breakers,” a recent film, chronicles the amazing journey of an Afghan girls’ robotics team. Can you discuss the film’s importance in showcasing the challenges and triumphs of women in STEM within a conflict-ridden environment?
dr. Sharma: “Rule Breakers” is critically vital because it shines a light on the resilience of women in STEM, particularly in regions facing conflict and deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. The Afghan girls’ story powerfully illustrates the obstacles they faced—limited access to education, significant safety risks, and cultural barriers hindering female participation in science and technology. Though, more substantially, it showcases the incredible human spirit capable of overcoming thes obstacles. The film serves as a potent tool to initiate dialogues surrounding women’s empowerment in STEM and the crucial role education plays in personal growth and societal progress, even amidst adversity. The narrative effectively demonstrates how STEM education initiatives can be catalysts for positive social change, fostering both individual empowerment and broader societal advancement.
Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Challenges Faced by Women in STEM
interviewer: The film’s depiction of violence against these young women underscores the dangers faced by those advocating for women’s rights and education in Afghanistan. Can you elaborate on the broader context of this issue?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. the challenges depicted in “Rule Breakers” reflect a global pattern. In many conflict zones, girls and women are frequently denied education and opportunities due to conservative social structures combined with the instability and disruption caused by armed conflict. This isn’t merely about denying access to schooling; it’s about controlling women’s lives and limiting their potential for self-determination. The attack depicted in the film underscores the very real risks faced by women who dare to challenge these limitations. The film accurately portrays the real-world dangers faced by individuals advocating for inclusive education, particularly impacting women’s access to STEM fields. This includes not onyl physical violence but also social stigma, threats, and coercion designed to restrict a woman’s participation in educational and professional life. These challenges highlight the critical need for increased safety measures, support networks, and advocacy efforts to protect and empower women pursuing STEM careers in challenging environments.
interviewer: The film also depicts the team’s struggle to secure visas to compete internationally—a significant hurdle for many aspiring students from developing nations.What are some of the systemic barriers that hinder global participation in international events like robotics competitions?
Dr. sharma: Securing visas for international competitions presents a major challenge for many students globally, especially those from developing nations. These obstacles are frequently enough multifaceted. Financial constraints significantly limit access, affecting both the application process and travel expenses. bureaucratic processes can be overwhelmingly complex and confusing, placing added burdens on individuals who may lack the support networks to navigate them effectively. Visa application procedures often fail to account for the unique circumstances of individuals—such as those involved in STEM fields or coming from conflict zones—and this lack of empathy and responsiveness creates unneeded hurdles. Such challenges disproportionately affect women from marginalized backgrounds, highlighting inherent biases within international systems. Streamlining visa processes, offering financial assistance, and providing comprehensive support networks are crucial steps towards ensuring equitable access to global opportunities for students from developing nations. Addressing these systemic barriers is essential to fostering inclusive participation in international events and promoting global collaboration in STEM fields.
empowerment through STEM Education: A Call to Action
Interviewer: What message do you believe “Rule Breakers” conveys to a global audience, and what can we do to support similar initiatives worldwide?
Dr. Sharma: “Rule Breakers” delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience. It demonstrates that with determination, support, and access to quality education, girls and women from even the most challenging environments can achieve remarkable things. the film serves as a compelling call to action, urging global audiences to become champions for STEM education for girls and women everywhere. We can support similar initiatives by:
Advocating for increased funding and resources for STEM education programs in developing nations.
Supporting organizations that provide mentorship, training, and scholarships for girls in STEM.
Raising awareness about the importance of gender equality in STEM and advocating for inclusive policies.
Promoting the stories of prosperous women in STEM to inspire the next generation.
By working together, we can create a world where all girls have the possibility to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, regardless of their background or the challenges they face.
This inspiring story reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge and empowerment transcends geographical boundaries and socio-political limitations. Let’s continue the conversation—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.