Director: Erin Heidenreich | Countries of production: United States | Year: 2016 | Length: 80 min
Language: English, Arabic, Urdu with English subtitles | Age: 8+ years

Screened as part of TOAFF17

Nothing is going to stop Maria Toorpakai from achieving her dream of becoming the world’s best squash player–especially not her gender.

In her home region, girls are forbidden to attend school, listen to music, or walk outside unescorted or uncovered. Yet not only did Maria become an international athlete, but her mother is the principal of a school for girls (which has been bombed three times), while her sister Ayesha is a member of the National Assembly, one of the youngest politicians in the country and the only female representative from Waziristan.

Girl Unbound provides fascinating insight not only into Maria’s story, but also that of a remarkable family, buoyed by the equalitarian spirit of their fearless father.

TIFF, Official selection
Human Rights Watch, Official selection