Follow the story of two sisters who have started a movement called the Last Torch, from the secret of their home, to defy the Taliban with the power of their voice.

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Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have restricted women's freedoms and rights. Girls and women have protested, but faced a massive crackdown.

The Last Torch got its inspiration from the women protesting across the country and emerged shortly after the Taliban's takeover of power. This documentary follows them as they risk their lives to fight for freedom.

This film also features three generations of female musicians who have been resisting the restrictions imposed on them by various regimes in a deeply conservative society.

Farida Mahwash is the only female singer who obtained the title of Ustad (maestro) and speaks about opportunities and challenges for female musicians since the 70s.

Sonita Alizada, one of the first female rappers from Afghanistan, has been using her stage to challenge traditional values restricting women and girls.

0:00 Introducing The Last Torch
1:40 A new movement: the sisters starting the Last Torch to defy the Taliban
4:40 The first song: ‘We’re going to sing this, but it could cost us our lives’
6:40 Sonita Alizada: ‘They call me a raptivist’
11:30 Kabul, a battle of the symbols
12:50 ‘I’m not afraid of death. We are the immortal generation’
16:10 Years of hope
18:10 Farida Mahwash: The only female maestro
22:30 Crackdown against women continues
24:30 What next?

The BBC 100 Women team has a mission to address the under-representation of women in media. If you are interested in their content check out these playlists:

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Directed and produced by Kawoon Khamoosh
Filmed by Sharam Heidari, Geoff Fitzgerald, Kawoon Khamoosh
Edited by Paul Wheeler
Narrated by Sarah Dias
Executive Producers: Golnoosh Golshani, Sarah Dias
BBC 100 Women senior producers: Amelia Butterly, Valeria Perasso
Commissioning editor: Claire Williams
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