Buddha Collapsed out of Shame (Buda Az Sharm Foru Rikht)

The film Buddha Collapsed out of Shame tells the story of the obstacles faced by girls in Afghanistan in order to receive an education. The six-year old girl Baktay wants to learn to read just like her friend Abbas, but education for girls in Afghanistan is anything but taken for granted. Baktay first has to buy a notebook and a pencil which is quite an achievement in the poor region of Bamiyan; then she must walk a long way to the school and confront plenty of obstacles along the way. She is held back by boys playing the only game they know – soldiers and war. In addition, the little girl is rejected by classes which do not accept girls. But Baktay is firmly determined to learn to read the magical and funny stories in the school book that her friend Abbas has, all by herself. Due to its subject and approach, the film is also suitable for a younger audience. (Barbara Kelbl)

Direction: Hana Makhmalbaf; Screenplay: Marziyeh Meshkini; Cast: Nikbakht Noruz, Abbas Alijome, Abdolali Hoseinali; Photography: Ostad Ali; Sound: Farid Pirayesh; Set design: Akbar Meshkini; Editing: Mastaneh Mohajer; Music: Tolib Shakhidi; Production: Makhmalbaf Film House, Wild Bunch.

Organisation: City of Women; Co-organisation: Kinodvor.