Hot Docs

The Boxing Girls of Kabul

Canadian Spectrum

Screenings

Mon, Apr 30 3:00 PM TIFF Bell Lightbox 1	Not Available
Tue, May 1 7:30 PM The Royal Cinema	Not Available
Sun, May 6 1:30 PM Cumberland 2	Not Available
Sun, May 6 6:15 PM Cumberland 2	Not Available

52 minutes | Canada | Toronto Premiere | Rating: 14A

HOT DOCS 2012 WINNER - INSPIRIT FOUNDATION PLURALISM PRIZE
“In the time of the Taliban they killed women there…If you go alone to the gym where we train, you will become very scared.” –Sadaf Rahimi

A courageous group of young Afghan women risk persecution to become world-class boxers, training without even the most basic of facilities. Inspired by their coach who was once an Olympic contender, the girls dream about winning medals for their country and a shot at the 2012 Olympics. The film shadows them closely over the course of a year, following three young contenders to their first competition. But when Afghan TV covers a medal won by one of the girls, and the news reports women being stoned in other parts of the country, their lives and their families are threatened. How can they fight with this fear in their bodies? A powerful story of courage and resistance by girls who punch far above their weight. Lynne Fernie

Screening with Fire Academy, except for encore screening Sunday, May 6, at 6:15 p.m.