‘Afghan Dreamers’ | Film about Afghan girls robotics team to be screened on May 15

On May 15, the American Medical Women’s Association, Highlander Robotics, FRC Team 8033, and Girl Scouts Service Unit 303 will present a special screening of the Paramount Plus award-winning film, “Afghan Dreamers”.

“Afghan Dreamers” tells the incredible story of the Afghan Dreamers Girls’ Robotics Team, a group of Afghan schoolgirls, led and inspired by Afghan tech entrepreneur Roya Mahboob, who defied conservative gender roles to compete internationally in robotic and, in doing so, helped transform a people and nation.

The team first gained international notice when they were barred from attending FIRST Global in Washington, D.C., due to a travel ban against individuals from certain predominantly Muslim countries. Supported by international allies and with the intervention of members of Congress, the team was ultimately allowed to compete and went on to win several awards in the U.S. and internationally. Inspired by the Dreamers’ unlikely success, then-President Ashraf Ghani committed to building five STEM schools throughout Afghanistan. But the journey came with many struggles, as the film poignantly demonstrates.

This film has special relevance to the Bay Area, as the Dreamers spent over a week in Piedmont hosted by a local family through the American Medical Women’s Association. During this time, the team had the opportunity to spend time with Piedmont robotics teams, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.

“Opening our home to the team was one of those unique moments in life when an opportunity comes your way that opens a global perspective for seeing the world and friendships that last a lifetime,” said Douglas and Eliza Chin.

The Dreamers then continued their international journey, transforming communities and bringing hope to women and girls along the way. But, as the film painfully shows, a tragic reversal of fortune came in August 2018 when the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan, and the girls, their coaches, and thousands of other Afghans were forced to flee their homeland.

Immediately following the screening, members of the production team will be joined by a former Afghan Dreamers team captain as well as an Afghan Girl Scout. They will share their perspectives on the film and the current status of women’s rights in Afghanistan, particularly with regard to education and work. The discussion will be moderated by an Afghan writer and human rights activist.

The film has received critical acclaim internationally, awarded Best Human Rights Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh, Runner-Up for Best Feature Length Documentary at Woodstock, Audience Choice Award at the Volladolid International Film Festival, and Official Selection at the Heartland and Boulder International Film Festivals.

Afghan Dreamers
May 15, 2024, 7-9 pm
Ellen Driscoll Theater
325 Highland Avenue, Piedmont, CA
Register HERE

Producers: David Cowan, Sheila, Nevins, Ellen Goosenberg-Kent
Creator & Associate Producer: Dr. Douglas Chin (Piedmont resident)
Directors: David Greenwald & Beth Murphy
Trailer: https://bit.ly/Dreamers-Trailer
Paramount: http://afghandreamers.movie