The Breadwinner

Parvana, a young girl living in Kabul, Afghanistan, faces the challenges of life under Taliban rule. Her father, a former teacher, struggles to provide for the family after suffering injuries in the Soviet-Afghan War.

Tragedy strikes when Parvana's father, Nurullah, is unjustly arrested after a volatile misunderstanding with a Taliban member named Idrees. This incident leaves the family without a male protector and in a precarious situation.

With her father imprisoned and her family in desperate need, Parvana decides to disguise herself as a boy named 'Aatish'. This bold choice allows her to go outside, earning money and gathering food to support her family.

To keep morale high, Parvana entertains her baby brother, Zaki, by spinning an imaginative tale about a young man's quest to recover seeds stolen by the wicked Elephant King. This storytelling not only provides joy but also a source of strength amidst hardship.

Parvana, alongside her friend Shauzia, visits the prison in hopes of bribing the guards to see her father. Unfortunately, their plan fails, resulting in a forced retreat, further complicating their already challenging situation.

Determined to provide for her family, Parvana takes on various labor jobs with Shauzia, who is also working to escape an abusive household. Their partnership not only offers financial aid but also a vital support system in their harsh reality.

Amidst the struggles, Parvana's mother writes to a relative in Mazar-i-Sharif, proposing the marriage of her daughter Soraya in exchange for shelter and safety. This act highlights the desperate measures families take in tumultuous times.

During her hard labor, Parvana meets Razaq, who has witnessed her father's arrest. Razaq, longing to learn how to read, forms an unexpected friendship with Parvana after sharing his own tragic loss.

While working, Parvana is recognized by Idrees who threatens her life. As she narrowly escapes with Shauzia, luck seems to favor them when Idrees is called away to join a new conflict.

Upon Parvana's return home, her mother expresses deep concern for her daughter's safety. She urges Parvana to abandon her risky plans, especially with Soraya's marriage arrangements underway.

Relinquishing some of her own desires for the sake of family, Parvana sets off to inform her father about their new circumstances, hoping that Razaq’s cousin can assist in their reunion.

Before leaving, a heartfelt farewell takes place between Parvana and Shauzia, with promises to reunite in twenty years. This moment captures the deep bond between the two, forged in a time of shared struggle.

At the prison, Parvana encounters Razaq again, who assures her he will help find her father. Here, she witnesses the brutal consequences the prisoners face and finds inner strength through the story she has been telling.

In a dramatic turn of events, Razaq is wounded during the rescue of Parvana's father. Together, they escape the prison walls, filled with hope of reuniting the rest of their family against all odds.