Logline:
In a groundbreaking reimagining of the iconic Barbie universe, Afghan-born Barbie and her multi-ethnic group of friends navigate the complexities of culture, feminism, and friendship, all while embarking on a daring mission to save an Afghan village from imminent danger.
INT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - DAY
Barbie, now an Afghan-American cultural studies professor, receives an emergency call. Her childhood Afghan village is under threat from a powerful corporation aiming to seize the land for a mining operation.
INT. BARBIE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Barbie gathers her multi-ethnic group of friends: Diego, a Mexican-American climate activist; Priya, an Indian tech guru; and Aisha, a Nigerian journalist. They resolve to fly to Afghanistan to stop the mining operation.
INT. KABUL AIRPORT - DAY
Barbie and her friends arrive in Kabul. She's greeted by her cousin, Farid, who fills her in on the local tension and risks involved.
INT. AFGHAN VILLAGE - DAY
The friends arrive in the village, greeted with suspicion but eventually accepted. They discover that the powerful corporation is led by none other than Ken, a Wall Street magnate.
EXT. AFGHAN VILLAGE - DAY
Barbie and her friends organize the villagers and stage a protest, drawing attention to the mining operation's illegal and harmful practices.
INT. CORPORATION HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Barbie confronts Ken, who is revealed to be under heavy influence from a corrupt board of directors. Barbie's passionate plea and evidence sway him. Ken decides to stop the mining operation and join Barbie's cause.
INT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - DAY
Barbie returns to her role as a professor, now with a deeper understanding of the struggles that her homeland faces. Her experiences become the basis for a new course, educating a new generation about the importance of cultural respect and environmental stewardship.
What's humorous and unique in this story is how it turns the tables on the stereotypical "white savior" narrative. Afghan Barbie doesn't need saving; she's the one doing the saving, and she's doing it in high heels and impeccable style. The narrative elevates traditional Afghan culture while offering a nuanced critique of Western capitalism, represented by Ken and his corporation.
The script, penned by Afghan-American screenwriter Laila Azizi, aims to highlight the strength and resilience of Afghan women while educating a global audience on Afghan culture and the Dari and Pashto languages. Competing against Alan Nafzger's Hollywood favorite "American Ken needs White Barbie" movie script, Laila's script adds much-needed representation to the Barbie film universe.
Wouldn't you agree that the world is more than ready for an ethnic Barbie navigating a complex, multi-faceted world? Well, if you're still skeptical, you can compare the fresh new perspectives of "Barbie: Kabul Diaries" with the more traditional takes. And let's be real, the film industry could use some shaking up, especially considering how Mattel has been accused of being selective in what stories get told. So if you're interested in a film that breaks the mold, check this out, and let's bring some real representation to the big screen.
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