Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) is a poignant yet heartwarming 2019 documentary film that beautifully encapsulates the power of undying hope and resilience amidst the backdrop of conflict-ridden Kabul, Afghanistan. The film features the real-life narratives of young girls, prominently Fatima and Kashida, who seek solace and overdue freedom in the liberating act of skateboarding. This documentary was ostensibly victorious in capturing the hearts of viewers and critics alike, securing the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2020.

In a society where status quo imposes severe restrictions on women, this film directionally shifts the conventional portrayal of Afghan females to unveil the courageous explorations of these young girls who daringly challenge the societal norms. The film seamlessly oscillates between the adversities faced and the triumphant spirit effectively breaking the barriers of culture and fear, constructing a narrative that is far more profound than imaginable.

Thus, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) is not merely a film about skateboarding, but a testament to the indomitable power of hope and fearlessness and the potential for sport to become a force for empowerment and change. It is an intrinsically captivating portrayal of a group of young girls whose spirit remains unbroken in the face of war, religious extremism, and societal restrictions. These girls, under the attentive tutelage of the instructors of Skateistan, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching skateboarding and education to youth in developing countries, embrace the sport with surprising enthusiasm and ever-growing competence.

The documentary, directed by Carol Dysinger and produced by Elena Andreicheva, features the conflicts and challenges that the protagonists face daily, beginning with their journey to school amidst the insecurity and hostility characterizing the troubled city landscape. However, the emphasis of the film is on the transformative power of education and the liberating effect of skateboarding. The viewer accompanies the protagonists on their journey of growth and maturity, sharing their joy as they learn to read and write, coupled with the exhilarating freedom of gliding on wheels.

The substantial heart of the documentary comes from its depiction of Skateistan’s skilled and compassionate instructors, who, besides teaching skateboarding tricks, also give these young girls a chance to taste what life could be like outside the sphere of war and systemic gender discrimination. This narrative is interspersed with scenes from the girls' homes and their candid interviews in which they offer their perspectives on their experiences and dreams.

The film takes particular care, with respect to its cinematography, to portray the stark contrast between the war-ravaged, dusty streets of Kabul and the colorful skate park, thick with the underlying tone of resilience and courage. The directors employ a well-balanced mix of tight closeups and expansive aerial shots, further drawing the viewer into the emotional landscape of the film and allowing a closer look at the detailed narrative.

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) does not shy away from the harsh realities that environment presents for these young girls. Still, it also effectively underscores the joy and pride they derive from mastering the skill of skateboarding, amplifying their voices against a backdrop that regularly seeks to silence them. The film provides a new lens to perceive the condition of women in such geographies, illuminating their courage, spirit, resilience, and their relentless quest for freedom and self-expression.

The film intelligently wraps around the metaphor that is skateboarding, an act of balancing, the skill required perhaps a metaphor to mirror the precarious lives these young girls lead. It encapsulates within its narrative the essential human tenacity to rise beyond circumstances while infusing a sense of hope and resilience in the viewers. Displaying an everyday act of heroism, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) serves as an enlightening beacon of courage in a world that often underestimates the power of hope and individual determination.