Film about Afghan girls’ robotics club, panel set for Feb. 11

A compelling story of courage and resilience is coming to Cornell Cinema on February 11th. The documentary “Rule Breakers” will be screened, followed by a panel discussion featuring the sisters at the heart of the film – the co-founders of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team.

Defying Barriers in Afghanistan

“Rule Breakers” chronicles the journey of Afghan entrepreneur Roya Mahboob and her students as they navigate significant cultural and gender barriers to establish a robotics team. In a context where girls’ education is often seen as an act of defiance, the team’s innovation attracted international attention, but also brought with it cultural resistance and threats.

Did You Know? The event coincides with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

A Story of Evacuation and Advocacy

Elaha Mahboob, a co-founder of the Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team and an alumna of Cornell University (M.P.A. ’19), also served as executive producer and writer of the film. Alongside her sister, she played a key role in efforts to evacuate Afghan girls and women following the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Panel Discussions and Expert Perspectives

The February 11th event at Cornell Cinema, beginning at 4:30 p.m., will include a panel discussion moderated by Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, clinical professor of law and director of the Immigration Law and Advocacy Clinic at Cornell Law School. The discussion will focus on the film’s themes, the 2021 evacuation efforts, and the current challenges faced by Afghan communities.

Expert Insight: The film’s focus on female empowerment through education highlights the critical role access to learning plays in challenging societal norms and fostering resilience, particularly in contexts facing political instability and cultural constraints.

Prior to the screening, the Mahboob sisters will participate in a separate talk at Myron Taylor Hall from noon to 1:30 p.m., as part of the Berger International Speaker Series. This event will be moderated by Elizabeth Brundige, clinical professor of law and director of the Gender Justice Clinic.

The screening and panel discussion are co-sponsored by several Cornell entities, including Cornell Law School’s Migration and Human Rights programme, the Berger International Speaker Series, and the Dorothea S. Clarke programme, among others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the documentary “Rule Breakers”?

The documentary chronicles the founding of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team and their efforts to overcome gender barriers to pursue education and innovation.

Who will be participating in the panel discussion?

The panel discussion will feature the Mahboob sisters, along with Cornell faculty members including Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer.

Where and when will the events take place?

The screening and panel discussion will be held at Cornell Cinema on February 11th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. A separate talk with the Mahboob sisters will take place at Myron Taylor Hall from noon to 1:30 p.m. On the same day.

What impact might these events have on raising awareness about the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls?