Coding and Chance in Rule Breakers Movie
The list of afterschool activities is endless for teen girls across America, anything from volleyball to drama, coding to art, photography to robotics. The skills and relationships developed during these activities are invaluable. But, in many countries, these opportunities aren’t available for girls.
In Afghanistan, a young woman has a certain place in society, and if she steps outside those boundaries, it’s seen as a threat. The feature film Rule Breakers tells the true story of a group of young Afghan women who dared to step outside those boundaries and defied all odds.
As a little girl, Roya Mahboob wanted to experience some of the same opportunities as the boys her age. She was mesmerized by the power and connectivity of the computer, so she became determined to give girls the same access. Roya takes tremendous risks to see her vision come true. When she offers her first computer class to girls, the room is packed. Out of this first step, she realizes the potential to come.
Roya recruits a group of high school girls to learn robotics. Pushing against their fathers, uncles, grandfathers and thousands of years of tradition, the girls rise to the challenge and become a highly skilled team.
During the height of the Taliban, intimidation soon expanded beyond the family. The team must decide if they are going to continue, even though danger looms around every corner, or give up. When their world is telling them that their dream is impossible, the girls rally together, determined to pave the way. As the group becomes stronger and more driven, so does their talent and skill. Taking their robotics to the nations, they start competing in international competitions and gaining significant recognition. While threats still loom at home, hope arises.
Finding Connection in Rule Breakers
Knowledge, teamwork, perseverance and faith in oneself changed the trajectory for an entire nation. Afghanistan’s First All-Female Robotics Team is the inspiration many of us need to hold onto our dreams and continue to pursue what may seem impossible. Rule Breakers reminds us that we all have value to offer this growing world through our talents, skills and insight. The film challenges us to fight for freedom and live without fear. It brings to the forefront of our minds that some rules are meant to be broken.
Brave the Dark is another Angel Studio film worth noting.
