Pictures of the Year International

"When Cages Fly" is an unconventional photo book born out of an unconventional story captured inside Herat Women's Prison, encapsulating the complex reality of life framed within the tumultuous context of Taliban rule for women in Afghanistan. The underlying story, "Where Prison Is a Kind Of Freedom,” originally featured in The New York Times Magazine, sheds light on the lives of women incarcerated for liberating themselves from abusive and violent marriages through drastic measures. Awarded the prestigious Robert Capa Gold Medal in 2020, this magazine feature served as the inspirational cornerstone for this book, which navigates the delicate balance between freedom and captivity, both physical and metaphorical. Divided into three chapters, the book artfully unfolds its tale. The first and last chapters bookend the central narrative, capturing the stark contrast before and after the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan. In these two chapters, illustrating life on the outside of prison walls, women exist as spectral figures within the confines of societal constraints, save for a lone activist whose fervent protests against the Taliban pierce the silence. Central to the book's thematic exploration is the enclosed middle chapter, a metaphorical prison that beckons the viewer to confront the harsh realities faced by Afghan women. Guarded yet paradoxically liberating, the prison becomes a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the shackles of domestic oppression. With minimal textual intervention, "When Cages Fly" encourages viewers to engage actively in crafting their own interpretations of the depicted reality. This includes inviting the viewers to rip through the encasement of the middle chapter in order to ‘gain access’ to the prison. However, amidst the visual tapestry, the voices of women who have endured unspeakable horrors emerge through delicate, transparent pages. Their stories intertwining with their physical forms symbolizes the indelible scars etched upon their beings. The supplementary booklet, printed on newsprint and sewn with green thread, delves deeper into the individual stories of three women, offering a more intimate glimpse into their lives and struggles. Each chapter serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of these women, whose stories resonate long after the pages have been turned. In the final chapter of this booklet that serves as a poignant reminder of the inexorable passage of time and the enduring legacy of oppression.