“In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream,” says Elaha Mahboob, co-screenwriter of the screenplay for Rule Breakers. She brings a personal touch to the story, having been closely involved with the Afghan Dreamers and their journey.
Rule Breakers follows the journey of a group of young Afghan girls who, against all odds, pursue their passion for robotics and innovation. Led by a visionary woman, these girls defy societal norms and challenges to participate in international competitions, showcasing their talent and determination.
It was inspired by the true story of the “Afghan Dreamers,” Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. The film highlights the journey of these young women who, under the guidance of their visionary teacher Roya Mahboob, defied societal norms and pursued their passion for science and technology. Despite facing immense challenges and opposition, their determination and ingenuity captured global attention and sparked hope for a better future.
The story of the Afghan Dreamers is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the importance of breaking barriers to create positive change. The film aims to inspire audiences by showcasing the courage and unity of these young women as they navigate obstacles and strive to make a difference in their community and beyond.
The film highlights the importance of empowering young girls and providing them with opportunities to succeed. The story emphasizes the transformative power of education, especially for girls in regions where it is often undervalued. The film showcases the resilience of the girls and their mentor as they navigate through obstacles and opposition and celebrates the strength of unity and teamwork in overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.
The idea for the film was sparked by the real-life story of the Afghan Dreamers.
Director Bill Guttentag and screenwriters Jason Brown, and Elaha Mahboob worked together to craft a screenplay that would do justice to the incredible journey of these young women. They focused on capturing the essence of their struggles, triumphs, and the impact they made on the world.
Once the script was finalized, the pre-production phase began. This involved assembling a talented cast and crew, scouting locations, and planning the logistics of the shoot. The filmmakers aimed to create an authentic portrayal of Afghanistan, so they paid close attention to cultural and historical details.
The casting process was crucial in bringing the characters to life. Ali Fazal, Nikohl Boosheri, and Fahim Fazli were selected for their ability to embody the spirit and resilience of the real-life figures they portrayed. The cast underwent extensive preparation to understand their roles and the context of the story.
Principal photography took place in various locations to authentically depict the setting of the story. The filmmakers faced challenges such as recreating the environment of Afghanistan and ensuring the safety and comfort of the cast and crew. Despite these obstacles, the team remained dedicated to capturing the essence of the story.
Rule Breakers stands out for several compelling reasons
Based on the real-life journey of the Afghan Dreamers, Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team, the film highlights the importance of education, gender equality, and the power of dreams. It serves as an inspiration to audiences around the world, showing that with determination and support, individuals can break barriers and achieve greatness.
By focusing on the experiences of young women in Afghanistan, the film sheds light on the challenges they face and the resilience they exhibit. It brings attention to the broader issues of women’s rights and access to education in regions where these opportunities are limited.
The story of the Afghan Dreamers resonates with audiences worldwide. It emphasizes the universal themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of supporting and uplifting each other, regardless of geographical or cultural differences.
Rule Breakers is significant because it tells a poignant and inspiring true story that highlights the power of education, resilience, and the importance of breaking barriers to create positive change. It’s a film that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on its audience
Bill Guttentag directed Rule Breakers. He is a seasoned filmmaker and two-time Academy Award winner. His previous works include acclaimed documentaries and films such as Soundtrack for a Revolution and Nanking. Guttentag is known for his powerful storytelling and ability to bring compelling true stories to the screen.
The Screenwriters
Jason Brown is one of the screenwriters. He has worked on several notable projects, blending drama and inspirational themes in his writing.
Elaha Mahboob, co-writer of the screenplay, brings a personal touch to the story. She is the sister of Roya Mahboob and has been closely involved with the Afghan Dreamers and their journey. Her insights and experiences add authenticity and depth to the script.
“The story of the Afghan Dreamers is not just about robotics; it’s about breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. It’s about showing the world what young women can achieve when given the opportunity. Through this film, we aim to highlight the importance of supporting and empowering young women, especially in regions where their potential is often overlooked. Their success is a testament to the strength and determination of girls everywhere.”
Mahboob’s personal connection to the story adds an extra layer of authenticity and depth to the screenplay. She is the sister of Roya Mahboob, who played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring the Afghan Dreamers. Elaha’s first-hand experience with the challenges and triumphs faced by the team provided invaluable insights that shaped the narrative of the film. Elaha has been deeply involved in the efforts to promote education and technology for girls in Afghanistan. Her understanding of the cultural, social, and educational landscape in the region enabled her to bring a nuanced and heartfelt perspective to the script. By incorporating her personal experiences and observations, Elaha ensured that the film accurately represents the spirit and resilience of the Afghan Dreamers. This personal connection helps the film resonate on a more intimate level, as it captures the genuine emotions and struggles of the characters. Elaha’s contribution to the screenplay highlights the importance of telling stories that come from a place of authenticity and lived experience. Is there anything specific you would
Together, these talented individuals have crafted a film that aims to inspire and shed light on the incredible achievements of the Afghan Dreamers.
