From executive producer Angelina Jolie and the creators of the Academy Award®-nominated THE SECRET OF KELLS and SONG OF THE SEA, comes a highly-anticipated new film based on Deborah Ellis’ best-selling novel. Director Nora Twomey’s animation magnificently conveys the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Afghan girl Parvana, born into an ever-changing world of conflict and oppression, who finds strength in the love of her family and the power of storytelling.

In Taliban-controlled Kabul, women and girls are not permitted to leave the house unescorted, to earn money, or to shop for food and supplies in the market. When Parvana’s father, a teacher, is unfairly imprisoned, she must disguise herself as a boy to become her family’s sole breadwinner. Showing courage and perseverance, Parvana does anything she can to support her family, while trying desperately to help free her father.

THE BREADWINNER is fundamentally about family, friendship, and imagination. With a team of over 200 artists, animators, and actors from around the world, Twomey has created an innovative mix of 2-D animation with acrylic and digitally painted environments, as well as digital paper cut–out segments, all woven into an unforgettable story.

This is not just an incredibly important film, but one that reminds us of the power of animation to communicate serious issues in the world. It will surely be a strong contender for a “Best Animated Feature” Academy Award nomination.

Set in scenic but strife-ridden Kashmir, “Tahaan” tells the story of an eight-year-old boy who tries to gain back his beloved pet donkey that has been sold along with his family’s possessions to pay the family debt. He wanders village and countryside, navigates border checkpoints, negotiates with merchants and money lenders on his quest – and is recruited to hurl a grenade into an army compound. Lush cinematography and a recurring chorus of Sufi singers add texture to this tender fable.