Watch Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) is a documentary short film from 2019 that showcases the lives of young girls living in Kabul, Afghanistan, and their experiences of learning how to ride a skateboard. The film opens with a group of girls, ranging from ages five to 17, wearing helmets and pads as they skate on a makeshift ramp in a dusty courtyard. They are part of Skateistan, a non-profit organization that provides education and skateboarding opportunities for Afghan children, with a focus on empowering girls.

The documentary follows the story of several girls, including nine-year-old Madina, who dreams of becoming a doctor and insists that skateboarding gives her the confidence to pursue her goals. There's also 15-year-old Fazila, who speaks of the freedom she feels when skating, a feeling that she can't experience anywhere else.

As the film progresses we are introduced to the teachers of Skateistan, most of whom are women. One of the teachers, known simply as 'The Madam,' describes how skateboarding has been an effective way of getting girls involved in education.

The film acknowledges not only the cultural restrictions that Afghan girls face but also the physical and psychological dangers they have to navigate on a daily basis. The use of drone footage shows us the highly militarized city's surveillance and barriers, and it is difficult to ignore the sobering reminders that the girls who Skateistan supports are living in a warzone.

Throughout the film, the importance of girl-led change is highlighted. In a country where traditional gender roles can heavily restrict girls' opportunities, Skateistan offers a rare space for girls to come together and pursue their passions. In an interview, a young girl expresses how skateboarding "means girls are strong!" and she is becoming "stronger and stronger every day."

The film is ultimately a poignant testament to the power of sport and education as vehicles for empowerment. Its message is clear: despite the daily challenges these girls face, they are still committed to learning, growing, and thriving.

At a 40-minute runtime, it is a short yet incredibly impactful documentary, filled with beautifully shot and edited footage adorned by an immersive score. Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) is a moving and educational film that leaves a lasting impression.

Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.