The Breadwinner(2017)

PG-13
N: Rated PG-13 for thematic material including some violent images
1h 34m

Release Date: Nov 17, 2017 | Limited

In Taliban-ruled Kabul in 2001, 11-year-old Parvana disguises herself as a boy after her father is unjustly arrested so she can work to support her family. With few options and danger at every turn, her courage and imagination become her greatest tools as she fights for survival and hope in a world that forbids girls even the simplest freedoms.

Official Website

Releases

Original Release | Nov 17, 2017

2018 Re-release (GathrFilms) | Apr 13, 2018

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Box Office Results

All Releases (2)
Total US & Canada:
$313,215
Total International
$2,476,999
Total Worldwide:
$2,790,214

Total US & Canada:
$312,381
Total International
$50,926
Total Worldwide:
$363,307

Current Showtimes

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Director & Top Cast

Nora Twomey
Director

Saara Chaudry
Parvana

Soma Chhaya
Shauzia

Noorin Gulamgaus
Idrees

Laara Sadiq
Fattema

Ali Badshah
Nurullah

Shaista Latif

Soraya

Kanza Feris

Sorceress

Kawa Ada

Razaq

Kane Mahon

Optician

Ali Kazmi

Darya

Mran Volkhard

Megaphone

Ezra Sholeh

Stall Seller

Lily Erlinghauser

Zaki

Wamiq Furoghudin

Prison Gatekeeper

Millad Hamidkohzad

Other Talib Boy

Salaman Hamidkohzad

Male Shopper

Abu Hashim Dostyar

Teen Boy

Technical Specifications

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio: 2.35 : 1

Other Details

Country of Origin: Ireland,Canada,Luxembourg,United States,France

Language: English

Summaries

Plot Summary

The Breadwinner is a 2017 animated drama directed by Nora Twomey and written by Anita Doron and Deborah Ellis, adapted from the 2001 novel by Ellis. It was produced as an international co-production between Canada, Ireland, and Luxembourg by Cartoon Saloon, Aircraft Pictures, and Melusine Productions, with Angelina Jolie among the executive producers. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2017, and opened in limited release later that year. Set in Kabul, Afghanista,n at the start of the 21st century, the story follows Parvana, an 11-year-old girl whose beloved father is jailed under the oppressive rules of the Taliban. With women barred from working or even leaving home without a male guardian, Parvana cuts her hair and poses as a boy to earn money and care for her family. As she navigates markets and streets under strict surveillance, she draws strength from the stories she tells her siblings, blending real danger with fantasy and resilience. Animated in a striking hand-drawn 2D style, The Breadwinner tackles challenging themes of repression, family loyalt,y and persistence under hardship — all while giving audiences a vivid, character-driven window into life under an authoritarian regime. The film was praised for its emotional depth and visual beauty, and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 90th Academy Awards.

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Fun Facts

The Breadwinner marked Cartoon Saloon's first international co-production with Canada and Luxembourg alongside Ireland, using a groundbreaking 2D/3D hybrid animation technique where 3D models were hand-painted frame-by-frame to mimic traditional cel animation.