Jennifer Lawrence bravely challenges critics and personal fears to produce "Bread & Roses," a documentary highlighting the struggles of Afghan women under Taliban rule. The film, premiering on Apple TV+, aims to inspire political action and awareness.
- Jennifer Lawrence has a bold documentary debut
- It spotlights Afghan women's struggles under Taliban rule
- THESE are her reasons for the project
Jennifer Lawrence's Bold Documentary Debut
Jennifer Lawrence, the Oscar-winning actress known for her fearless roles, has taken a daring step into documentary filmmaking. Her latest project, 'Bread & Roses,' focuses on the lives of three Afghan women navigating the oppressive environment following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021.
Despite facing resistance from friends and family, Lawrence was determined to bring this urgent story to light. "My family and friends definitely encouraged me not to [produce the film]… It’s dangerous. Of course it is. But there are 20 million women whose lives are in danger," she stated during an appearance on 'CBS Mornings.'
She also called out "trolls" who attack her for "trying to talk about politics."
"They always say different things," Lawrence said. "I did a ’60 Minutes’ interview once where I explained that I dropped out of middle school, so I technically am not educated. I think a common one with this subject is ‘why is someone without an education trying to talk about politics?’ To that I say it’s not political, it’s peoples' lives," Lawrence said.
"It’s political in the sense that you should push your congresspeople, and you should get involved to make our government more accountable. Then the UN can recognize gender apartheid. I don’t find it political. I am educated in filmmaking. I am educated in telling stories."
The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year, is set to debut on Apple TV+.
Lawrence's documentary sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Afghan women under the Taliban regime. Her involvement began in 2021 when she witnessed the increasing oppression of women in Afghanistan.
"My first reaction when watching that was to do what the Taliban did not want us to do, which was to give access and facilities to the people on the ground to capture what was happening on the ground in real time. Because obviously, the Taliban flourishes in secrecy," Lawrence explained.
She added, "I can’t imagine not being able to take a taxi or not being able to listen to music. I can’t imagine if just the sound of my voice was illegal."
The film captures the daily challenges these women face, from restricted movement to the silencing of their voices. Lawrence emphasized the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and sparking change.
Lawrence hopes her film will inspire viewers to take political action. She has faced criticism from "trolls" questioning her involvement in political subjects due to her educational background.
"I think a common one with this subject is ‘why is someone without an education trying to talk about politics?’ To that I say it’s not political, it’s peoples' lives," she asserted. Lawrence urges audiences to engage with their governments to hold them accountable and push for recognition of gender apartheid by the UN.
Also interesting:
Another bundle of joy
It should be thrilling
At the Dior show
Her production company is also working on another documentary, 'Zurawski v Texas,' co-produced with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, set for release in 2024. This documentary will shed light on abortion providers who sued the state of Texas in 2023 and is reportedly co-produced with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton.
