‘The Breadwinner’ trailer paints an empowering hand-drawn story (Includes first-hand account)

While most people consider animated films to be happy-go-lucky pictures about cute creatures on relatively epic adventures, looking more closely at many of these movies reveals they often also address some serious issues. If one looks even further beyond the mainstream releases from Disney, Pixar and Illumination, they’ll find a number of beautifully animated films that address some adult subjects; and there isn’t necessarily a moral to the story. The medium also lends itself to making certain stories more accessible to wider audiences. The Breadwinner appears to be an example of all these things.

Parvana and her family are living relatively quiet, peaceful lives in Afghanistan in spite of the oppressive rule of the Taliban. However, in 2001 her father is arrested in their home and they’re told nothing of his condition or whereabouts. With her father imprisoned, they have no way to earn money or get information. Therefore, Parvana cuts her long locks and assumes the appearance of a boy in order to support her family before embarking on a quest to find their patriarch.

The film is based on Deborah Ellis’ bestselling young adult novel, and is produced in partnership with Angelina Jolie and GKids, which is typically only involved in distribution. However, they’ve worked previously with Cartoon Saloon on two of its Academy Award-nominated films, The Secret of the Kells and Song of the Sea. Parvana appears to be a brave, young character that will appeal to many; especially as her journey seems to take on fantasy elements reminiscent of the stories her father told via stunning hand-drawn animation. The film is expected to open in the fall of 2017.

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