Parents' Guide to The Eagle Huntress

As this inspiring documentary proves, girls can do anything, including becoming the first female eagle hunter in the 1,000-year history of her family's tribe. Filmmaker Otto Bell's debut documentary feels particularly timely, coming out in a year (2016) when women's role in society is being discussed far and wide. The involvement of Ridley, who played girl-power icon Rey in Star Wars, feels especially significant as a result. And so does Sia's; her award-worthy original song for the movie, "Angel by the Wings," features the refrain "You can do anything" again and again. But the real star, of course, is Aisholpan, who's simply remarkable.

She's sweet and friendly; she loves painting her nails and wearing glittery bows in her braids. But she's also completely focused, fearless, and ready to do what it takes to become the next eagle hunter in her family -- even if she's bucking a millennium of patriarchal tradition. But Aisholpan's story is also the story of her father, who could have easily discouraged her interest in and gift for hunting and waited for her younger brother to come of age and train him instead. The father-daughter bond is remarkable, and Aisholpan's hardworking mom clearly wants her lovely, clever daughter to do what makes her happy. You couldn't ask for better parental role models. Although a couple of moments seem a bit staged, and the hunting sequences are clearly edited for maximum dramatic tension, The Eagle Huntress soars as it shows viewers exactly why girls and women should never be underestimated.