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Brides for Sale - Sonita

Documentary telling the story of a teenage girl in Iran pursuing her dreams against the odds. Sonita dreams of being a rap star, but is sold into marriage back home in Afghanistan.

This absorbing Storyville tells the inspirational story of a teenage girl pursuing her dreams against the odds. Sonita dreams of being a rap star performing for adoring fans, but as an 18-year-old illegal Afghan immigrant living in the poor suburbs of Tehran, opportunities are hard to come by.

Undeterred, Sonita pursues her dream, and with her friend Ahmad finds a recording company prepared to risk an unauthorised rap song that includes an illegal female solo, only to have their plans thwarted by Sonita's family. One of her brothers wants to get married, so Sonita must return to Afghanistan and be sold into marriage herself. The bride price she fetches will pay for her brother's wife.

Feisty, defiant and spirited Sonita continues the fight to live life her own way and overcome the many obstacles in her path, experiences which are powerfully and unflinchingly captured in her music.

1 hour

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:45

    Nine Inch Nails

    Right Where It Belongs

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami
Series Editor Nick Fraser

Broadcasts