Rickshaw Girl

A feisty, Bangladeshi teen-aged painter (a riveting Novera Rahman) sets out on a quest to save her ailing father. Her artistic gift has blossomed with his encouragement but hasn't yet proven financially rewarding. Naima's mother dashes such childish dreams, which sends the frustrated teen off to the big city, determined to earn money for the family's survival. And she does, by disguising herself as a boy to get a job as a rickshaw driver. Still Naima's creative drive has her sneaking every opportunity to paint. Her vivid artwork comes to life in beautifully animated form, along with hope that her emergence as an artist will be her true salvation. Based on the acclaimed and beloved young adult novel by Mitali Perkins, RICKSHAW GIRL is a magical ride. - Carol Harada, MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL