KABUL: Afghans took to social media on Monday to celebrate a rare piece of good news for the war-torn country, after a film about girls skateboarding took home an Oscar for best documentary short at the Academy Awards.

“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)” tracks international charity Skateistan’s bid to teach young Afghan girls how to skateboard in the ultraconservative country, where few women are encouraged to participate in sport.

The film follows a group of young girls enrolled at the nonprofit who gain confidence and courage as they learn to skate on ramps and quarter pipes in Kabul amid frequent militant attacks and suicide bombings.

“Proud of them. We feel proud for my sisters. Wish further success for our champs,” wrote Afghan Facebook user Sodaba Samadi.

“Congratulations to our brave girls! This is a proud moment for all Afghan GIRLS! They face harsh realities of everyday cruel life in a war zone but keep moving forward!” added Afghan journalist Shaista Sadat Lameh.

“So much congrats... We wish to see Afghan Skateboard players soon in the world champions,” tweeted Yonus Popalzay.

The film’s director Carol Dysinger also highlighted the plight of Afghan women.

“This movie is my love letter to the brave girls of that country,” said Dysinger, as she praised the teachers from her own life and the ones at Skateistan in Kabul.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2020