130221 / Kabuli kellukesed

Set in Kabul, as Taliban forces take hold of the city, “When She Hears the Bells” follows Leila, a young widow seeking a fresh start. After taking a kitchen job, she discovers a harrowing reality: the establishment secretly operates as a Bacha Bazi house, where young boys are forced to dance for powerful men and face sexual exploitation.

Driven by compassion, Leila risks everything to do what is right.

Directed by Chabname Zariab, the film stars international talent Golshifteh Farahani (Jim Jarmusch’s “Paterson”, Eran Riklis’ “Reading Lolita in Tehran”, and Asghar Farhadi’s “About Elly”).

For Zariab, the project carries deep urgency: “The story also highlights the reality for women both before the Taliban’s return and since August 2021, when millions saw their rights erased and the world largely looked away. For me, telling this story is both a personal responsibility and an act of quiet resistance.”

What makes this film unforgettable is how it balances the tension of a thriller with profound humanity. Beneath the ticking clock lies a tender tribute to solidarity, courage, and the bonds forged when standing up for the vulnerable.

Malaika Bova

https://poff.ee/en/film/when-she-hears-the-bells