Writing Hawa

Afghan documentarist Najiba Noori’s film is both an intimate portrait of her mother Hawa and a story of female emancipation in her homeland. Hawa was married at 13 to a much older man she now cares for.

Yet she finds the strength to pursue the dreams patriarchal society took from her nearly 40 years ago. She learns to read and write in order to expand her embroidery business and be self-sufficient. She also tries to make a better future for her granddaughter Zahra, who ran away from her tyrant father.

When the Taliban return to power in 2021, the lives of all 3 generations of women are turned upside down. The director flees the regime’s persecution to Europe, carrying hours of film footage in a small suitcase.