Bread & Roses: Release date, Trailer, plot, & Everything we know About the Jennifer Lawrence- and Malala-Produced Doc

Apple TV+ is set to bring audiences a powerful and timely documentary, Bread & Roses, produced by Jennifer Lawrence and executive produced by activist Malala Yousafzai. 

Directed by Sahra Mani, this compelling film delves into the harsh realities faced by Afghan women following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. The documentary debuted at the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival, receiving praise for its raw and unflinching portrayal of women’s rights being stripped away in real time.

Recently, Apple Original Films released the much-anticipated trailer for Bread & Roses, offering a glimpse into the lives of three brave Afghan women resisting the oppressive regime. As they navigate a world where their freedoms have been obliterated, the film captures their courage, resilience, and fight to reclaim their autonomy.

Curious about what’s to come? We’ve got all the exciting details about Bread & Roses, from its gripping plot to behind-the-scenes insights. Stay tuned—we’ll update this article as more fascinating information surfaces!

Release date & Where to Watch

Bread & Roses is set for a global premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Plot

Bread & Roses chronicles the resistance of Afghan women against the Taliban following the withdrawal of US and UK forces in 2021. Through the experiences of three brave women, the documentary reveals their relentless fight to maintain their freedoms amidst life-threatening circumstances.

Director Sahra Mani provides a raw and powerful portrayal of the seismic impact the Taliban's takeover of Kabul had on women’s rights and livelihoods. As these women navigate their harsh new reality, the film captures their spirit and resilience, offering an unflinching look at their harrowing struggle to reclaim autonomy.

Official Trailer

Behind the Scenes

Bread & Roses, a 90-minute documentary directed by Sahra Mani, is co-produced by Jennifer Lawrence and Justine Ciarrocchi under their company Excellent Cadaver. Mani's film, with cinematography by Abdul Sami Murtaza, editing by Hayedeh Safiyari, and music by Masoud Sekhavat Doust, also features executive producers Malala Yousafzai and Farhad Khosravi.

Jennifer Lawrence, reflecting on her motivation to co-produce the film, shared how the rapid fall of Afghanistan deeply affected her, especially as Roe v. Wade faced overturning in the US. "We felt helpless and frustrated with how to get these stories off of the news cycle and into people’s psyches," she told Variety.

Premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Bread & Roses earned critical acclaim and a nomination for the Golden Eye documentary prize. Critics praised its timely and urgent portrayal of Afghan women. Catherine Bray of Variety described it as a film with a "committed on-the-ground perspective," while Sarah Manvel (In Their Own League) lauded the documentary’s depiction of courage as "earth-shattering." Deadline’s Matthew Carey noted the film's significance in ensuring the ordeal of Afghan women is not forgotten, even if it might not bring immediate change.