Tahaan

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors together to watch and discuss one of the most remarkable and powerful films about and for children in recent years.

Tahaan is an 8-year-old boy who lives in the conflict-torn Kashmir valley of Pakistan. When his family’s donkey is sold by his mother to repay debts, Tahaan sets off on a quest to recover his beloved animal friend. He must decide whether to trust strangers or keep secrets from his mother, and after he is recruited by militants to throw a grenade into an army compound, he faces a crucial choice about how far he’s willing to go to achieve his goal. More than a war story, this is a film about yearning, finding your purpose in life, understanding right and wrong and, ultimately, about choosing peace. Fable-like and beautifully shot, Tahaan captures the scintillating colors, textures, sounds, and smells of a beautiful and ancient land now characterized by border checkpoints, sniper fire, corrupt money lenders, and “disappeared” fathers.

This insightful and thoughtfully created movie provides a rare and welcome opportunity to talk openly about a challenging global topic—living with war and conflict—from a child’s perspective. A guided discussion with Wexner Center Director of Education Shelly Casto follows the screening.

A Note to Grown-ups
The age recommendation listed above is very general. If you would like to discuss the specifics of this film before viewing it with your child, please call Jean Pitman, educator for youth programs, at (614) 292-4614.

Especially for Teachers and Schools
Bring your class to a school-day screening of selected films from festival. Click here to see the schedule.

In Hindi with English subtitles. Recommended for ages 8 and up. (105 mins., 35mm)

Tahaan