In a poignant gathering at the United Nations, the pressing issue of girls' education in Afghanistan took center stage, underscored by the powerful narrative of the film "Rule Breaker." The film, co-written and produced by Alaha Mahboob, tells the inspiring story of an Afghan girls' robotics team that defied societal limitations to pursue their dreams in a country where educating girls is often viewed as an act of rebellion.

Mahboob shared her personal connection to the film, highlighting the journey of her sister, Roya Mahboob, who has dedicated years to creating opportunities for women in technology. "Rule Breaker" aims to showcase not just the struggles faced by these young women, but also their resilience, courage, and the hope that education can bring. "Too often, the stories we see about Afghanistan focus solely on hardship," she remarked, emphasizing that this film reveals a narrative filled with innovation and possibility.

The urgency of the film's message resonates deeply today, as millions of girls in Afghanistan remain deprived of education. Mahboob urged viewers to engage with the film, stating, "The more people see this film, the louder the message will be." She passionately advocated for the rights of Afghan girls to learn, dream, and build a better future for themselves.

During the press conference, questions arose about the current status of the robotics team. It was revealed that most team members are now studying in the United States, while some continue their education online from Afghanistan. Somaya Farooqi, the team captain portrayed in the film, is currently pursuing mechanical engineering in California, maintaining close ties with her teammates.

As the discussion unfolded, the challenges posed by the Taliban's regime were also addressed. The filmmakers and advocates present at the conference reiterated the importance of breaking barriers and fostering dialogue about the rights of girls to education, underscoring that the fight for these rights is far from over.

The release of "Rule Breaker" serves as a rallying cry for awareness and action, reminding the world of the potential that lies within every girl, regardless of the obstacles they face. As Mahboob concluded, "They deserve to dream big and build a better future." The film not only tells a story of the past but also ignites hope for a brighter future for girls in Afghanistan and beyond.