How crucial is education in the fight for equality? “Women are a key part of society…” – these words were spoken at the first Taliban conference after they took power in Afghanistan in 2021. It was a lie aimed at the international community, while the situation for women in the country continues to deteriorate. The film follows Manizha Bakhtari, the last Afghan ambassador, who risks everything to fight for the rights of women and girls.

As Afghanistan’s ambassador in Vienna, she finds herself in an extraordinary position: representing a country whose previous government fled, while the new Taliban regime is not recognized internationally. Despite financial and logistical isolation, Bakhtari persists, continuing her advocacy for Afghan women. Through her program Daughters, she enables secret education for girls while organizing political resistance against the Taliban. Under increasingly difficult conditions, she has become one of the most important international voices for Afghan women, calling on the world to pay attention to their tragic situation. Her mantra reflects her mission: “Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice”.

After the screening there will be a meeting with the film director Natalie Halla.