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This week at The Tryon Theatre is “Rule Breakers” (2025, an uplifting and inspiring film about a dedicated teacher who puts her life on the line for her students as they attempt to compete in an international robotics competition. This film is based on a true story, and its events predominantly take place between 2017 and 2021. As with many movies based on actual events, significant artistic liberties are taken in the development of the characters’ interpersonal arcs and emotional growth. However, the broader plot, wherein an educator, Roya, leads a brave group of students to a competition against national opposition, is real and deeply rewarding. 

“Rule Breakers” takes place in Afghanistan, where the political regime has increasingly bowed to the growing influence of the Taliban. The Taliban’s pressure upon society has seen ever-increasing moralistic restrictions placed upon their citizens, with many to the distinct detriment of women and girls. The female members of their nation face a world of second-class citizenry, with their education and autonomy seen as direct threats to the consolidation of power and belief sought by the Taliban. It is under the looming threat of this oppression that the film’s narrative takes shape, with one teacher’s passion defiantly standing against the threat to her students’ futures. 

Roya has maintained a lifelong fascination with technology. Growing up, Roya found computers to be a gateway to a world beyond her limited village scope and, more importantly, an avenue for her to develop pride and self-esteem. In adulthood, she has leveraged her passion into an academic career, instilling intellectual curiosity in the next generation. The film’s plot begins as Roya finds herself at a crossroads between her safety and the possibility of her beloved students taking their passion to compete on an international stage. This public representation of Afghanistan’s academics by women is seen as a direct insult to the Taliban, and they quickly move to suppress Roya’s and the girls’ ambitions.

In terms of content, “Rule Breakers” is a family-friendly film; both the language and the image are clean and reserved, without being artificial. The narrative is focused on the aspirations of young women and aims to be palatable for an audience of an empathetic age. However, the film’s cleanliness does not diminish the weight of the narrative’s impact, as a powerful emotional journey is contained within this story of bravery and triumph. Any adult in attendance will find themselves more than satisfied with the film’s maturity and effectiveness. 

Emotionally, “Rule Breakers” is a predictably satisfying film, establishing the stakes of adversity and celebrating the intrepid attitudes of those who rise above. There is great hope and comfort to be found in the passion of the young students and the fortitude of their teacher, whose love for her girls threatens her very life. We hope you will join us for this powerful and inspiring film soon!