Build The Future Spotlight: Texas Torque
May 31, 2022
Please note: “Rule Breakers” is rated PG due to thematic material and some violent content. It may not be suitable for some audiences.
Releasing on March 7, 2025, in theaters across the United States (check local listings), “Rule Breakers” follows the inspiring, true story of FIRST® team, “Afghan Dreamers.” Created by Angel Studios, this feature film showcases how an all-girls FIRST® Robotics Competition team from Afghanistan triumphed against all odds, pursued STEM education, and empowered people all over the world to think big, nurture their talents, and pursue their dreams.
Defiant and galvanizing, “Rule Breakers” demonstrates the importance of pursuing education, why STEM learning is essential for everyone, and why some rules are made to be broken. FIRST teams and movie-goers across the country will be moved by the courage and unity of the “Afghan Dreamers” story, and how their bravery ignited a movement that garnered worldwide attention.
In 2017, FIRST founder, Dean Kamen, reached out to Roya Mahboob, one of Afghanistan’s first woman IT development CEOs. She, along with support from her brother, chose 12 girls interested in pursuing STEM education. From there, and against all odds, they developed the first all-girls team in Afghanistan. 
Angel Studios
Before they were able to get the official FIRST kit of parts to build their robot, they had to source whatever material they could find to begin learning. The sound of scrap metal echoed through Mahboob’s family home; each person making do with what they had. Eventually, they received the kit of parts for the season and were able to learn and innovate under the mentorship of Mahboob and her brother, Alireza Mehraban.
The challenges did not stop there. Once the FIRST® Championship had finally arrived, the “Afghan Dreamers” found themselves experiencing various travel delays. But, thanks to the Gracious Professionalism® of their competitors and FIRST Championship officials, they were able to compete.
Angel Studios
From there, they continued to persevere. They later traveled to Estonia and Istanbul to continue to put their STEM skills to the test. Eventually, three of their team members participated in the Robotex competition in Estonia, winning with their solar powered robot designed to assist farmers. These events empowered the “Afghan Dreamers” to continue to work tirelessly to change their community for the better. Through their courage and determination, the “Afghan Dreamers” were able to change their future and make a difference in their community for generations to come.
Through their sheer tenacity and the learning opportunities they gained through their participation in FIRST, the young women of the “Afghan Dreamers” team proved that students can rise above any challenges and use their skills and determination to #GetAnywhere. Support from one’s community and the guidance and encouragement provided by adult mentors can change the trajectory of a student’s life and allow them to see the opportunities available to them in STEM fields. In return, students learn how to make meaningful contributions to their community by developing and innovating new ideas that help make the world a better place.
The real “Afghan Dreamers” team that inspired the film
“Rule Breakers” premiered in Los Angeles on February 12, 2025. FIRST representatives were on the red carpet to interview the cast and crew, as well as to highlight the amazing places you can go with an education in STEM. The movie’s theatrical release will be on March 7, available in theaters and streaming on the Angel Studios platform. Check the website for local listings.
We encourage FIRST teams to watch the film and learn more about this important, true story. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog that will include a discussion guide to help facilitate meaningful conversations about the film. The “Afghan Dreamers” are a testament to the fact that FIRST has always been More Than Robots®.