Jennifer Lawrence has taken on a powerful role as the producer of the documentary “Bread and Roses”
which delves into the lives of Zahra, Taranom, and Sharifa—three women who fought valiantly to reclaim their fundamental rights under Taliban rule. The film presents a stark and emotional portrayal of the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan after the return of the Taliban. Following two decades of U.S. occupation, the country saw its freedoms for women erode rapidly as the Taliban imposed severe restrictions, including bans on employment, public appearance without a male guardian, and education.
Lawrence, speaking with Variety, expressed her frustration with the media’s portrayal of these issues, feeling that it often fell short in conveying the gravity of the situation. This motivated her to produce “Bread and Roses” as a means to amplify the voices of these courageous women and draw global attention to their plight.
The documentary stands out for its compelling depiction of the extraordinary resilience and bravery of Afghan women who have risked their lives to resist an oppressive regime. The film underscores the stark dichotomy enforced by the Taliban, where women are categorized as either “good” (submissive and compliant) or “bad” (those who defy the regime’s constraints), with severe consequences for the latter.
“Bread and Roses” premiered at Cannes with a special screening, earning acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of ongoing oppression in Afghanistan. The film has been described as a necessary outcry against the injustice faced by half of the country’s population under a repressive dictatorship.
In addition to her producing efforts, Lawrence is set to make a notable return to acting with the comedy “No Hard Feelings” (Vietnamese title: Nanny teaches “love”), directed by Gene Stupnitsky. After a hiatus of over two years dedicated to family and personal time, Lawrence’s comeback in this project is highly anticipated. Known for her selective script choices, her involvement in this comedy-drama represents a significant and intriguing shift in her career, potentially marking a new chapter in her cinematic journey.
