What Tomorrow Brings

What Tomorrow Brings is a powerful, heart-warming, and profoundly moving documentary film that came out in 2015. Directed by Beth Murphy and produced by Principle Pictures in association with ITVS, this incredible film presents a riveting account of the strength and resilience of women in Afghanistan, dealing with the complexities of education, tribal culture, and women's rights in a war-torn society.

The film is set in Deh'Subz, a rural Afghan district located outside of Kabul. While most documentaries about Afghanistan focus on the violence and geopolitical undertones that have plagued the country for decades, What Tomorrow Brings brings to light a different perspective. The documentary revolves around the lives of young Afghan girls who are on a gritty journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment through education in a society entrenched with retrogressive cultural norms and conservative ideologies.

At the heart of the film is Razia Jan, an indomitably fearless and spirited Afghan woman who has taken responsibility for the betterment of her nation. The movie integrates her personal narrative with Afghan history, ultimately coalescing into an inspiring story of female education in a country where such an idea has faced vehement opposition.

Razia Jan is the brave soul who opened the first all-girl school, the Zabuli Education Centre, in 2008 in Deh'Subz, aiming to provide free, holistic, and quality education for girls in a region where the concept of female education is hugely suppressed. The film captures her struggle to keep the school open against nearly insurmountable odds. Amidst threats from local conservatives and the ominously looming specter of the Taliban, it becomes a mammoth task for Razia to ensure the safety and education of these young girls.

Education, as the film presents it. is more than just about books, lessons and semesters to pass; it is a road to empowerment, freedom, and an opportunity at a brighter future. Through their interaction with the staff, with each other, and with their community, the girls of the Zabuli Education Centre learn more than just academics, they learn lessons in leadership, resilience, courage, and how to defy their society's stereotypes and norms through their everyday achievements.

Meanwhile, What Tomorrow Brings also deeply explores the perspective of the girls' parents, particularly the fathers and brothers who are often the enforcers of societal norms. It highlights the struggles they go through, existing somewhere between tradition from the past and the potential for a more equal future, as they decide whether or not to allow their daughters and sisters to be educated.

In this vein, the film beautifully uses education as the lens to provide us a fresh, revealing look inside the real Afghanistan post the Taliban regime- the hopes and fears of its people, the cultural barriers, societal mindsets, and the nuances of an Afghan worldview seldom understood outside its intricate societal fabric.

Interestingly, the film does not merely tell the story of the battles these brave Afghan women are fighting on a daily basis, it also incorporates observational footage, unparalleled access, and intimate interviews with the recurring characters of students, teachers, village elders, parents, and even former Taliban members. This results in a film that is touching, arresting, and deeply insightful, offering audiences the opportunity to experience and understand the depths and dimensions of an unconventional corner of Afghanistan on an intimate, personal level.

A richly textured and visually stunning documentary, What Tomorrow Brings is an emotional, educational, and enlightening exploration of the fight for women's rights and the power of education. It presents a unique and uplifting view of Afghanistan, and with its powerful storytelling and engaging narratives, it is sure to resonate with viewers all across the world. The film exemplifies how one determined woman and a group of brave young girls can bring about a significant societal mindset shift and rewrite future narratives.

In summary, What Tomorrow Brings is a must-watch. It is a ground-breaking and inspiring documentary that portrays the power of education, the strength of Afghan women, and the potential for profound change in even the most challenging environments. Whether you are an advocate for women's rights, an educator, a social activist, or simply a devotee of profound and touching storytelling, you will find in What Tomorrow Brings a film that will impact and engage you in the most unexpectedly heart-tugging ways.