Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) is hosting a screening of the upcoming film Rule Breakers, inspired by the true story of an all-girls robotics team from Afghanistan that defied politics and tradition to compete in events around the world.
The screening and a panel discussion are scheduled for March 4, from 7-10:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Cinema with an introduction by Camilla Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. Michael Miga, Director of VISE and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, will moderate the panel, which will include:
- Amber Afzali, an actress who plays the character Esin in the film
- Piper Cannon, a Vanderbilt graduate student in mechanical engineering studying surgical robotics, a member of Women of VISE, and coach of the all-girls FTC robotics team at St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville
- Bill Guttentag, the Oscar-winning director of Rule Breakers
- Laura Overdeck, an educational philanthropist and Vanderbilt parent who is a producer on the film
“This film speaks to the irrepressible power of curiosity, learning and ultimately, achievement,” Miga said. “It’s also simply an inspiring tale of young women overcoming overwhelming circumstances to make their mark in an innovative field like robotics. We are grateful for the opportunity to share a preview of this film with the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities.”
Rule Breakers, starring Nikohl Boosheri (The Bold Type) and Ali Fazal (Death on the Nile, Furious 7), is set for a nationwide theatrical debut March 7, 2025—the eve of International Women’s Day—and is being distributed by Angel Studios.
“I’m thrilled and honored that Vanderbilt is hosting this special screening of Rule Breakers,” Overdeck said. “These brave young women, who overcame poverty and adversity to learn new technical skills, are a morale boost for anyone majoring in STEM subjects and considering STEM careers – particularly for women. This story is proof that we can all become triumphant learners.”
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets require registration and are available on a first come, first served basis.
- WHAT: Screening of the new film Rule Breakers, based on the true story of the first all-female robotics team from Afghanistan, followed by a panel discussion
- WHEN: March 4, 7-10 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
- WHERE: Sarratt Cinema, Vanderbilt University. 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, Tennessee
- REGISTER: Registration is free, but required for admission