Afghan Cycles

Afghan Cycles is a compelling and deeply moving 90-minute documentary from 2018 that chronicles the extraordinary stories of a group of brave Afghan women who dare to ride bicycles in defiance of cultural norms in their homeland. The movie features Frozan Frozan, Masoma Masoma, Mariam Mariam, Zahra Zahra, and Zakia Zakia, each bringing their unique stories and perspectives to the screen. Their efforts and struggles are inextricably embroiled with societal conflict, gender norms, and the pursuit of freedom, becoming inspiring examples of courage and resilience.

Directed by Sarah Menzies, Afghan Cycles opens up a window into the lives of Afghani women who are pushing the envelope of social conventions. Significantly, commuting on a bicycle in Afghanistan is not just an act of survival or an attempt to claim public space and freedom, but is seen as a political act by these women, rippling into a broader conversation about the role and rights of women in a traditionally patriarchal society.

The layering of the personal journeys of these women is skillfully embedded within a broader socio-political narrative, neatly contextualized against the background of Afghan history. The backdrop of the film is war-torn Afghanistan, a country that has been in political turmoil for decades, dealing with invasions, civil wars, and continued violence and instability.

Against this grim backdrop, riding a bicycle becomes an act of bold rebellion and a courageous assertion of independence. The women cyclists showcased in Afghan Cycles belong to two teams: the National Women's Cycling Team and a biking group named Bikes Not Bombs.

Among the protagonists, Frozan's story stands out. With unwavering determination to pedal against the strong currents of societal norms, she challenges the stringent gender roles set for women in her society. We ride alongside Masoma, a member of the National Women's Cycling Team, who has had to make crucial sacrifices to pursue her passion for cycling. Mariam and Zahra, members of the Bikes Not Bombs biking group, provide us with a glimpse of the risks entailed in their commitment to a sport that, in their context, becomes a daring political protest.

Watching Zakia, the youngest member, struggling not just with uphill roads but also with familial and societal disapproval, adds another element of poignancy to the narrative. It simultaneously emphasizes the importance of their fight and illustrates the need for a paradigm shift in the hearts and minds of Afghani society.

Menzies does an exceptional job in bringing out the raw emotions and challenges these women face in their day-to-day undertakings. She weaves their personal experiences with the broader themes of gender inequality, socio-cultural traditions, and political unrest, all set against the stunning yet rugged Afghan landscape.

The bicycles, in this narrative, become symbols of freedom and agency, weapons against restriction, and vehicles for change. This metaphor resonates powerfully throughout the story, and even more stark is the juxtaposition of these elements against an intensely patriarchal society wherein women face severe restrictions on their movement and emancipation.

Moving beyond the confines of a sports documentary, the movie forces its audience to grapple with broader issues like the persisting gender inequality, cultural oppression, political instability, and human rights. It presents a vivid illustration of resilience, tenacity, and an undying spirit to seek change through a bicycle's pedals.

Apart from superb storytelling, Afghan Cycles is commendable in its cinematography and unique perspectives. The beautiful visuals and authentic depiction of local life work together to create a meaningful and thought-provoking viewing experience. The film does not only encapsulate the vibrant characters and their impassioned cause; it provides a visceral understanding of the drastic contrasts and conflicts in contemporary Afghanistan.

In conclusion, Afghan Cycles is not just a movie about women cycling in Afghanistan. It's a potent symbol of resilience and resistance against oppressive societal norms, cultivation of personal strength, and relentless pursuit of freedom. It rides beyond the narrative of sports and diving deep into the socio-cultural and political fabric of Afghanistan. It's a journey that will leave you moved and inspired, charting not just roads, but a path toward change. You might find yourself reflecting not just on their revolution, but our roles globally, in the race for women's empowerment.