2006, 58 minutes
Directed by Eva Mulvad
An inspiring film about personal courage and conviction, Enemies of Happiness spotlights Afghanistan’s leading female parliamentarian, Malalai Joya, and her life’s work. Joya became one of Afghanistan’s most recognized leaders in 2003 when she challenged the power of warlords in the country’s new government. Two years later, this remarkable twenty-eight year old, a survivor of repeated assassination attempts, was elected to the legislature in her country’s first democratic parliamentary election in more than thirty years. In a country where a majority of the people are illiterate, votes are for sale, warlords use threats and bribes to control the ballots, and many women cannot leave their children to vote, Joya is a courageous voice for change.
On May 21, 2007, the Lower House of the Afghan parliament voted to suspend her for critical comments she made during a television interview. Since her election, Joya has continued her outspoken defense of the rights of Afghan women and children. She has also continued push for accountability for war crimes, even those perpetrated by fellow parliamentarians.
Enemies of Happiness is distributed by Women Make Movies.
Click here to read an interview with Eva Mulvad, Director of Enemies of Happiness
