The Boxing Girls of Kabul

201152 minFilm: Documentary

G

Direction: Ariel Nasr

Production: Annette ClarkeRavida DinKent Martin

Script: Ariel Nasr

A group of young Afghan women strive to become world-class boxers, training without the benefit of even the most basic facilities at the national stadium, where only recently women were executed by the Taliban. They are loyal to their country, yet dare to defy its traditions. Inspired by their tenacious coach, these courageous boxers openly dream of their future, and even a shot at the 2012 Olympics. Committed to a challenging regime and enduring family and societal pressures to abandon their training, the women are determined to fight their way onto an international stage. The film shadows them closely over the course of a year, and we come to know them both as individuals and as a team of competitors punching well above their weight. The Boxing Girls of Kabul reveals a compelling journey of both personal and political transformation, and illustrates the power of fighting for what you believe in.

Subject categories


  • Developing Countries > AsiaSocial ChangeWomen
  • Sports and Leisure > Boxing, Wrestling and Martial ArtsOlympic and Commonwealth Games
  • Women > Sports and Athletics
  • Health/Personal Development > Bullying & Discrimination
  • Family Studies/Home Economics > Feminism
  • History and Citizenship Education > Issues in Society Today

Credits


writer
Ariel Nasr
director
Ariel Nasr
editor
Hannele Halm
producer
Annette Clarke
cinematography
Ariel Nasr
sound recordist
Christopher Yapp
sound design
Alex Salter
original music
Julia Kent
assistant director
Christopher Yapp
additional cinematography
Katherine Brooks
Leslie Knott
Lucy Martens
Rafaela Persson
Christopher Yapp
production supervisor
Candice Desormeaux
stills photography
Katherine Brooks
Rafaela Persson
translation
Mirasadullah Hashemi
Fawad Popalyar
Safi Bopaye Saidjon
Fusion Marketing
transcription
Fawad Popalyar
post-production coordinator
Steve Hallé
assistant editor
Jason Lee
Jason Levangie
title design
Gaspard Gaudreau
Mélanie Bouchard
online editor
Denis Pilon
re-recording
Serge Boivin
production coordinator
Stephanie Coolen
Vanessa Larsen
Aimee Wall
marketing
Kelly Fox
centre administrator
John William Lutz
executive producer
Ravida Din
Kent Martin

Awards


  • Best DocumentaryAIFF Kids
  • Inspirit Foundation Pluralism Prize- with a $10,000 cash prizeHot Docs
  • Honourable Mention for the NFB Colin Low AwardDoxa - Documentary Film and Video Festival
  • Best Short DocumentaryCanadian Screen Awards