Sonita

Sonita is a powerful, engrossing, and impactful documentary film released in 2015. It is based on the life of a young Afghan girl, Sonita Alizadeh, whose life took an unexpected turn from her humble beginnings as a refugee in Iran towards becoming a globally recognized humanitarian advocate and rapper. The film is directed by Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami. The narrative is woven beautifully to encompass Sonita's personal life and her extraordinary journey, with the protagonist being played by Sonita Alizadeh herself. Alongside her, you can also witness outstanding performances by Fadia Alizadeh and Latifah Alizadeh, contributors who play vital roles in shaping her world.

The core plot of Sonita revolves around the life of a young Afghan refugee who channels her frustrations and seizes her destiny through music. Sonita dreams of becoming a rapper, a path that's both unusual and perilous considering her background and the societal norms she is meant to adhere to. The journey of Sonita is not just about self-discovery and breaking boundaries but is also a mirror reflecting the grim realities of societal bigotry that binds many women across the world.

As Sonita tries to break her chains, the plot deepens when her family decides to sell her as a bride, a bitter yet widespread custom in her community. She's just 15 with immense dreams and aspirations to make music that stirs souls and emancipates confines.

In this film, the director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami doesn't shy away from showing the heart-wrenching reality of gender disparity and oppression that Sonita faces. The camera follows her closely, capturing her environment, dilemmas, dreams, creativity and rebellious spirit. Audiences share the intimate spaces of her life - from classrooms to dim-lit rooms where she scribbles her stirring words of rebellion in form of rap lyrics.

Her music - raw, emotional, and a direct challenge to imposed societal norms - becomes her ultimate tool for self-expression and an outlet for her frustrations. Juxtaposed with her own powerful lyrics, the audience is introduced to the dire societal issues that she sings about – a strong critique of child marriage and the commodification of women in society. These lyrics later become lifelong anthems for thousands of girls across the world, serving as a voice echoing resilience and defiance.

What makes Ghaemmaghami's direction praiseworthy is her consistent focus on building a sincere and emotional connection between the audience and Sonita. As we move with her through the struggle, we are privy to an intimate portrayal of Sonita's perseverance, determination, and resilience which starkly stands out in the face of oppressive traditions and norms.

One of the most powerful elements of the film is its ability to capture the intricate details of Sonita's physical journey. From the narrow lanes of Tehran to the upbringing she has had in the suburbs of Afghanistan, the film let us explore the environment that shaped her.

What sets Sonita apart from most biographic narratives is its character-led approach, making the audience invested in the journey of the protagonist rather than just observing from a distance. It's about a strong-willed girl out to protect her dreams, even when they compete fiercely with what society expects of her. The film looks beyond the grim themes of forced marriage, migrating from worn-torn countries, and gender prejudice, celebrating the spirit of resilience and rebellion.

To conclude, Sonita offers something far more profound than the basic storyline of a young girl dreaming to be a rapper. It provides an in-depth observation of Sonita Alizadeh's life - her struggles and her triumphs. It calls attention to the global problem of forced child-marriages and sells to the audience an inspirational narrative of courage, self-expression, and achieving personal freedom despite all odds.

Sonita is a moving cinematic experience that seizes your heart, incites your mind, and touches your soul. A must-watch for every religious, social, and cultural sect to celebrate the spirit of womanhood and to reflect on the deeply ingrained societal practices that need serious challenging.