The War to Be Her

POV Season 31
  • Feature Film
  • 2018

In Waziristan, "one of the most dangerous places on earth", Maria Toorpakai defies the Taliban, disguising herself as a boy so she can play sports freely. But when she becomes a rising star, her true identity is revealed and death threats force Maria to leave her country. Undeterred, Maria decides to return facing the danger and to play the sport she loves.

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Trailer | The War to Be Her

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  • 2018

Trailer

In Waziristan, "one of the most dangerous places on earth", Maria Toorpakai defies the Taliban, disguising herself as a boy so she can play sports freely. But when she becomes a rising star, her true identity is revealed and death ...

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Reading List

The War to Be Her Delve Deeper Reading List

Lesson Plan

  • Grades 9-10,
  • Grades 11-12

Developing Informed Opinions in the World of "Likes"

Film Credits

  • Erin Heidenreich Screen Shot 2017-06-01 at 3.15.53 PM.png

Related events

September 5
Screening

The War to Be Her: Screening and Discussion

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library

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Press Room

‘POV’ and ‘America ReFramed’ host the 2024 Wyncote Fellows at PBS Annual Meeting POV’s While We Watched Receives a Peabody Awards Nomination America ReFramed Acquires the Compelling Documentary A Woman on the Outside to Open WORLD’s Newest Content Theme “Liberated Lives” Beginning March 28, 2024
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