In a bold move that’s stirring controversy and acclaim, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has stepped into the role of producer for the groundbreaking documentary “Bread and Roses,” despite facing strong opposition from family and online critics alike.
The documentary, which debuts this Friday in select theaters in Los Angeles and New York City, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of Afghan women under Taliban rule. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sahra Mani, the film secretly captures the stories of three brave Afghan women who risk everything to document their daily struggles and protests against oppression.
“My family and friends encouraged me not to [produce the film],” Lawrence revealed during a candid interview on CBS Mornings. “It’s dangerous. Of course, it is. But there’s 20 million women whose lives are in danger.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Since the Taliban seized control following the US withdrawal in 2021, women’s fundamental rights have been severely restricted. They can no longer pursue education beyond sixth grade, work independently, or even walk in public without a male escort. The documentary brings these harsh realities to light through the eyes of three remarkable women:
- Zahra Mohammadi, a dentist whose practice was forcibly shut down
- Taranom Seyedi, an activist forced into exile in Pakistan
- Sharifa Movahidzedeh, a former government employee now confined to her home
Lawrence’s involvement has attracted both praise and criticism. Online trolls have questioned her qualifications, indicating her lack of formal education. The actress fires back: “They always say different things. I did a 60-minute interview explaining that I dropped out of middle school, so I’m technically uneducated. To that, I say it’s not political; it’s people’s lives.”
The film has already made waves in the international film community. Apple Original Films quickly acquired the rights following its premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Critics have praised its “righteously angry” perspective and raw, unfiltered look at life under Taliban rule.
Executive Producer Malala Yousafzai, herself a champion for girls’ education and a Taliban attack survivor, lends additional weight to the project’s mission. The film’s title, “Bread and Roses,” speaks to the fundamental rights these women fight for– basic survival and human dignity.
“My first reaction when watching that was to do what the Taliban did not want us to do,” Lawrence explained, highlighting the documentary’s defiant spirit. “Because obviously, the Taliban flourishes in secrecy.”
The film’s creation was itself an act of resistance. Shot under dangerous conditions using guerrilla-style filming techniques, it provides rare, authentic footage of street-level oppression. “I can’t imagine not being able to take a taxi or not being able to listen to music,” Lawrence reflected. I can’t imagine if just the sound of my voice was illegal.”
As “Bread and Roses” prepares for its theatrical release, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in exposing injustice. Lawrence’s message to critics questioning her involvement is clear: “I am educated in filmmaking; I am educated in telling stories.” Through this powerful documentary, she’s ensuring that the voices of Afghan women, though suppressed, will not be silenced.
The documentary serves as an urgent call to action, encouraging viewers to engage with their congressional representatives and push for greater accountability in addressing gender apartheid. As the film’s conclusion raises haunting questions about the fate of one of its subjects, it reminds us that for millions of Afghan women, this isn’t just a documentary—it’s their daily reality.