From Afghanistan to SCAD: Afghan Sisters Escape Taliban in ‘One Step Away.’

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Covering the red carpet for SCAD’s 2024 Savannah Film Festival, superstars like Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson, Kevin Costner strolled down the press line for interviews, gathering everyone’s excitement. However, it was three sisters from Afghanistan telling the story of escape from a Taliban controlled Afghanistan, that still sticks in my mind. After the Festival ended, I reached out to learn more.

Sabrina Spanta’s sister, Sakiand Soda, found themselves trapped, their dreams of education and freedom hanging by a thread. “One Step Away,” a documentary co-produced by Spanta, a SCAD alumni, and SCAD, tells their harrowing story of escape and the power of sisterhood and resilience.

The documentary captures the emotional rollercoaster of her journey to her sisters from the newly Taliban occupied Afghanistan. Spanta described experiencing a range of emotions, from paralyzing fear to unwavering determination. One chilling moment involved a text message from a friend working with rescue teams on the ground in Afghanistan, confirming their worst fears: crossing the border was not only difficult but potentially deadly. “One wrong move, one mistaken identity, and it would all be over,” Spanta remembered. These moments of raw vulnerability, captured on film, underscore the very real dangers faced by those trying to escape the Taliban’s grip.

“One Step Away” also highlights the importance of storytelling. Spanta never intended to make a documentary, but as the rescue mission unfolded, she realized the power of sharing her family’s story. “Every call, every email, every failed attempt felt like a race against time,” she explained. “But in the midst of it all, we realized this story, the fear, the impossible choices, the unbreakable ties of family and heritage that needed to be told.” The film became a way for Spanta to process her own trauma and to amplify the voices of Afghan women who are often silenced.

Wallace’s response was immediate and compassionate, setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately change the lives of Spanta’s sisters.

SCAD’s involvement went beyond simply offering support; they became active partners in the rescue mission. “I was at Mood Fabrics in NYC, swatching fabrics with a client when my phone rang. On the other end were three of SCAD’s top leaders,” Spanta recalled. This marked the beginning of a two year ordeal involving intricate logistical planning, financial aid, and constant communication. SCAD leaders, including Vice President Hannah Flowers and Peter May, played crucial roles, working tirelessly alongside Spanta.

The impact of “One Step Away” has been significant. It has garnered numerous awards and accolades, raising awareness about the plight of women in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan remains the only country where, as Meryl Streep put it, ‘a squirrel has more freedom than a woman,’” Spanta pointed out. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the human rights violations occurring in Afghanistan and the urgent need for change.

Saki and Soda were both studying architecture at a university in Afghanistan, when the Taliban regained control, they could no longer go to class. But now, they are finishing their architecture degrees at SCAD, which even offered full ride scholarships and student visas for both sisters, providing them with not just an education but a future. “This wasn’t just an education. It was their freedom. A once in a lifetime opportunity. The golden ticket,” Spanta said.

Beyond its political impact, “One Step Away” is a testament to the transformative power of education. Spanta’s sisters are now thriving at SCAD, experiencing freedoms they never thought possible. “This is what freedom looks like,” Spanta declared. “One Step Away is not just a story of survival, it’s a story of possibility. It’s proof that when one woman fights, she doesn’t fight alone.”

 

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