The Breadwinner

This animated drama is an accomplished example of how the genre can be so much more than entertainment. It follows young Afghan girl Parvana (voiced by Saara Chaudry), who poses as a boy to get food for her family after her father is wrongly imprisoned. While the animation is superb, there are many layers to this story that come together beautifully. The use of of ambient sound and endearing vocal performances put faces to political issues. Better still, the film-makers face harsh realities without any fuss, and tackle hard subjects in a gentle manner. Grief, poverty and oppression exist hand-in-hand with hope and family unity. It's a blend that feels as genuine as any live action drama. The emphasis on storytelling, both as a means of education and survival, is woven beautifully throughout the film. Parvana's innocence and determination grab at your emotions from the beginning, making the fraught finale all the more compelling.