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- Actress
- Producer
Annet Mahendru is an Afghan-American actress of Indian-Russian origin. She was born in Kabul to an Indian father (a journalist and professor) and a Russian mother (a businesswoman and artist). Annet spent her early years learning six languages while living in Afghanistan, Russia, and Europe. She put her curious mind to use playing competitive chess and earning a brown belt in Karate, sweeping a free sparring championship. At age 11, Annet choreographed a performance that gained her an appearance on German TV as a graceful Russian snow maiden that turns into a playful Indian dancer. Sad that her parents never signed her up for ballet classes as a little girl, she joined a local Rock 'n' Roll dance group, and later, began to study classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam.
Annet finished high school in New York and received a Bachelor of Arts in English at St. John's University. After school, drawn by her passion for acting, she took classes at the HB studio, performed in plays, and Indie films. But it was in the course of pursuing a Master's degree in Global Affairs at NYU that Annet reached a crossroad in her life. She decided to drop out of NYU and escaped to the West Coast in search for yet another degree that would enable her to affect the kind of change she really wished for. This one was in Storytelling. Always being a big fan of Improvisation, she began studies at the Groundlings School and took on several comedy projects thereafter. Annet has also studied at the Imagined Life in Hollywood because she finds trans-formative experience and expression of the empathetic imagination to be the foundation of her work.
Everything, from growing up among a big Indian family on a healthy diet of Bollywood films to experiencing St. Petersburg's famous ballet, art and theatre scene, prepared Annet for her life as an ambassador of change through storytelling. Becoming an actress synthesized her many curiosities with her passion and mission.
Annet is best known for her starring role in the 2013 TV series The Americans, where she plays the role "Nina," the beautiful and mysterious spy opposite FBI Agent Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich). "Annet Mahendru has been a revelation as Nina, bringing the character to life with a rich and subtle depth that keeps you guessing as to what's really percolating under the surface," said Executive Producers Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields. Other credits include 2 Broke Girls, Mike & Molly, Big Time Rush, The Blacklist, The X Files and feature films Escape From Tomorrow and Love Gloria.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Azita Ghanizada is a political refugee and asylum seeker, who has broken many cultural barriers in Hollywood. She has worked consistently on both film and TV holding her own opposite Academy Award-winners and nominees such as Rachel Weisz, Mahershala Ali, David Strathairn, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon, Casey Affleck and others. In 2016 she was named one of the "Seven Sundance Breakout Actresses You Must Know" for her work opposite Rachel Weisz in "Complete Unknown." On television she has proven her ability to be a chameleon, with her recently recurring on a number of hit TV shows, including CBS's "United States o f Al," HBO's "Ballers," and Freeform's "Good Trouble." Recent work on film, includes a role in "Our Friend," on Amazon, which had its world premiere at TIFF (2019) and "We Broke Up," on Hulu (2021). In 2022, she was the first woman from Afghanistan on Broadway, in her 2022 Broadway debut, in the The Kite Runner" at The Helen Hayes Theater.
Azita is also the Founder and President of MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC). An organization that she launched after building the first new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hiring category into a labor contract in 37 years. Middle Eastern North African, MENA, was drafted into the SAG-AFTRA theatrical contracts in 2017. A well rounded and leading global advocate for her community, Azita has served as the SAG-AFTRA National MENA Committee Chair, a Global Ambassador to Women for Women International, National Council to Welcome.us for Afghan Refugees, and gave her first TedxTalk in 2019.- Actress
- Director
- Writer
From a daughter watching her father being deported to his country of origin for an execution, to an Indian doctor who is a closeted lesbian being forced into an arranged marriage, and an eccentric school nurse who is giving a student awkward sex ed advice, award-winning actress Layla Alizada has brought to life compelling, diverse characters in drama and comedy positioning her as "one to watch" this year.
In 2015 Layla can be seen starring in the Academy Award Nominated short film Day One (2015). Layla shines as Feda, an Afghan-American woman who is going through a divorce and lands her first job ever as an interpreter in the US Army. Set in Afghanistan, "Day One" explores Feda's experiences and chronicles her assignment on her first day, accompanying an army unit to a potential bomb-makers home.
Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Layla spent several years of her childhood living with her family in Montreal, Canada before moving to Vancouver where she grew up and attended the renowned Theatre School, Studio 58. English is Layla's fourth language, learning Farsi [Dari], Turkish, and French through her travels as a child. Layla always had a love for entertaining, in high school she joined the drama club and participated in school plays. She was scouted by a talent agent at the age of 13, and shortly thereafter, on her first audition, booked a series regular role in the high school drama "KidZone." She quickly discovered that acting was her passion, and has dedicated herself to the craft ever since.
Layla's first big break was co-starring opposite Juliette Lewis in "Chasing Freedom," where she played an immigrant woman seeking asylum in the United States. Her role garnered her a 2005 Gemini Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series, and she won a Gracie Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Special. Additional television credits for Layla include recurring and guest star roles on: "The Mentalist," "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," "Godiva's," "Da Vinci's Inquest," "The Unit," "Eureka," "Rizzoli & Isles," "Legit," "Melissa & Joey," "Holiday in Handcuffs," "Days of our Lives," "The Kroll Show," "Stitchers," "Castle," and "Scandal." Layla recently recurred on The CW's "Jane the Virgin" as Regina, a young mom who works with Jane [Gina Rodriguez] and "The Muppets" for ABC.
In her spare time, you can find Layla doing yoga, swimming, and playing video games with her husband, actor Noel Fisher. She also loves photography, animal rescue, and has two kitties named Sushi and Spartacus.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Kader Khan was an Indian actor, comedian, and screenwriter who worked in Hindi cinema. Khan's family migrated from Afghanistan to Mumbai, India, in 1942, and was raised in the neighbourhood of Kamathipura, Mumbai.
He completed his education at Ismail Yusuf College in Mumbai, earning a Master's degree in Civil Engineering (M.Tech). However, his passion for writing and acting led him to pursue a career in the film industry.
Kader Khan debuted in the film industry as a writer with the film Jawani Diwani (1972) in 1972. However, his first film as an actor was Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), starring Rajesh Khanna in the lead role.
He went on to write dialogues for numerous successful films in the 1970s and 1980s, including Sholay (1975), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Naseeb (1981), and Coolie (1983).
Khan has acted in over 300 films and appeared in supporting roles in some of Bollywood's biggest hits, such as Sharaabi (1984), Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri (1990), Agneepath (1990), Hum (1991), and Khuda Gawah (1992).
Some of his notable performances as an actor include Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Taqdeerwala (1995), and Judwaa (1997). He also worked in television serials such as Hasna Mat (2001) and Khuda Gawah (1992).
Kader Khan was also a prolific screenwriter and wrote scripts for films like Dharam Veer (1977), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Laawaris (1981), and Geraftaar (1985). He also wrote and produced the film Shama (1981), which was released in 1981.
Some of Kader Khan's most memorable performances were in comedies, where he was known for his impeccable comic timing. He worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar.
Kader Khan's last appearance was in the 2019 Rangeela Raja film Rangeela Raja (2019). He passed away on December 31, 2018, at 81.
Kader Khan was awarded numerous awards for his contributions to the Indian film industry. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue twice for Meri Aawaz Suno (1981) and Angaar (1992). He also received the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri (1990).
In addition, he was honoured with the Padma Shri award, one of India's highest civilian honours, in 2019, which was posthumously awarded to him.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Fahim Fazli is a multifaceted talent, renowned for his contributions as an actor, author, and combat interpreter for the U.S. Marines. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Fazli saw his personal journey span continents as it reflected a life shaped by resilience and artistic passion. His acting credits include appearances in notable films such as Iron Man, Argo, American Sniper, and 12 Strong, showcasing his versatility and depth as a performer. Beyond the silver screen, Fazli is also celebrated for his memoir, FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor's Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back, which offers a poignant narrative of his experiences bridging cultures and navigating the cultural complexities of international conflict. His critically acclaimed biography won a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America. With his compelling blend of artistry, advocacy, and optimism, Fazli continues to inspire audiences worldwide, embodying the power of storytelling to transcend borders and remind people everywhere of our shared humanity.
"Afghanistan is a complicated place,' says Fahim Fazli, and he knows. Born in that enigmatic nation when it was at peace, coming of age as it became a land of terror, and even helping Hollywood recreate the years of war against the USSR, he has a story told in the languages of his origin yet understood by the ears of the Western World. As both History and Memoir, when Fahim Fazli speaks we are fascinated. "Tom Hanks CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR"- Warina Hussain was born on 23 February 1996 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is an actress, known for Love Will Take Over (2018), Dabangg 3 (2019) and Godfather (2022).
- Noorin Gulamgaus was raised in Toronto, Canada. He is the brother of actress Sirena Gulamgaus. Noorin started off in the industry after securing a featuring role without an agent, in the 2014 RoboCop remake. After being thrown into a massive studio film, alongside Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton, he quickly realized that anything is possible. He attended a performing arts high school in Toronto, to better learn the craft of acting. Immediately after graduating high school, Noorin acquired two supporting roles in the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated film, The Breadwinner, produced by Angelina Jolie. He has also been directed by iconic director Paul Feig. In 2021, Noorin returned back to his roots and attended drama school for two years. He can next be seen in a supporting role in the Netflix film, Code 8 Part II. And also, in a leading role in two time Academy Award winner Bill Guttentag's film; Afghan Dreamers.
- Actress
- Casting Department
- Additional Crew
Sitara Attaie is an Afghan born American & Dutch actress. She spent her early years learning several languages while living in Afghanistan, India, The Netherlands and now The United States. She is fluent in Dari, Farsi, Dutch, German, Hindi, Urdu, Pashto and conversational French.
Sitara received her BFA in English Literature from The University of Groningen, Associates Degree in Teacher Training from Hanze Hoge School and her certificate in Journalism from Hoge School van Utrecht.
During her early years in Europe, Sitara won several national competitions and has choreographed several commercials, music videos and songs. She also partook in different projects on Dutch television (VARA's 12X12, Missen) and was a freelance Journalist for various media (Spunk.nl, Cultuur Scouts Magazine). Sitara has modeled for a variety of fashion brands after she won beauty pageants in The Netherlands and Turkey.- Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada was born in 1997 in Parwan Province, Afghanistan. He is an actor, known for The Kite Runner (2007), Sommar & Vinter i P1 (1959) and Efter tio (2006).
- Zekeria Ebrahimi was born in 1996 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is an actor, known for The Kite Runner (2007).
- Muhammed Cangören was born in 1951 in Afghanistan. He is an actor, known for Argo (2012), Üzgünüm Leyla (2000) and Sila (2006).
- Writer
- Actor
Khaled Hosseini was born on 4 March 1965 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a writer and actor, known for The Kite Runner (2007), A Thousand Splendid Suns and A Thousand Splendid Suns.- Director
- Cinematographer
- Editor
Jem Cohen was born in 1962 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a director and cinematographer, known for Museum Hours (2012), Chain (2004) and Benjamin Smoke (2000).- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Stunts
Mustafa Haidari is an Afghan-American actor and speaks several South Asian & Middle Eastern dialects. The multilingual actor was born and raised in Kabul Afghanistan. Mustafa Haidari is persistent in strengthening his craft, and he recently played a recurring guest star role on season eight of the academy award-winning show Homeland (Showtime), SEAL Team CBS (2018), Shooter USA (2016). He also appeared on Hulu's The Looming Tower (2018), Warner Bro's 12 Strong (2018), and Man Down (2015). Mustafa's love for comedy helped him play recurring and supporting roles in projects such as HBO's The Brink (2015), Warner Bro's Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016), Adult Swim's Decker (2017), and Comedy Central's Tosh.0 (2014).
Mustafa has paved his way in the entertainment industry when he first started a job as an Afghan casting associate for The Kite Runner (2007), in Kabul and landed his first on-screen role in the movie while in China. He studied acting at the faculty of Fine Arts and started his acting career on stage. He also performed on several known plays including the Dari adaption of William Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, Soeurs, & I am not the second gender while he was in Kabul.
Mustafa is an advocate for authenticity and his vast knowledge of Afghanistan and the Afghan culture has enabled him to assist multiple Hollywood films & TV shows in pre-and post-production. He assisted several productions with technical & cultural advising, translation, as well as Dari and Pashto dialect coaching in order for productions to achieve accuracy and authenticity in their projects.- Actor
- Stunts
Sameer Ali Khan is an Afghan international actor and martial artist known for playing tough, masculine characters in Afghan, American, and Bollywood feature films. His intense stare and fluid martial arts skills give his anti-hero characters an edge of authenticity. Khan's love of Cinema and action movies originated in his youth. Khan was born into a middle-class and well-educated family in Kabul, Afghanistan. As a kid, street fighting was a way of life for him amid the Afghan Civil War chaos. The oppressive environment on Kabul's war-torn streets was a serious motivator for Khan to express his frustrations through his passions. He took his cues from legends such as Bruce Lee and Jean-Claude Van Damme, who taught him a love for cinema and martial arts; his brand of addictive cocktail fueled Khan to pursue his martial arts training starting at 13 years old. He excelled in Taekwondo and Kickboxing, all the while teaching himself how to act. After producing and acting in two Afghan regional films, Khan moved to Mumbai in 2007 to continue growing as an actor in Indian cinema. He was the first Afghan actor honored with a scholarship from the Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute in Mumbai. He got his first break in 2011 for the short film "God is Dead." The film was nominated at the Cannes Film Festival, where Khan was praised for his performance. In 2012, he arranged for a group of Bollywood's well-known celebrities to participate in the first-ever "Afghan Film Festival" held in Kabul, Afghanistan. Khan broke through as a Bollywood star by securing a major role as a mutant named Antman in India's first superhero franchise, Krissh 3, starring Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan. Not only was this Khan's first mega-budget film, but for Khan, Krissh 3 paved the way in securing substantial roles such as The Prince of Kuwait in the 2016's drama-thriller Airlift; starring Akshay Kumar, and an underground MMA fighter in Happy New Year alongside Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan. The transition to American Cinema came with the breakthrough role of Azam Ghol in Director Barry Levinson's comedy, Rock the Kasbah. Khan joined an all-star American cast, including Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, and Kate Hudson. Khan is now a recognized face in both Hollywood and Bollywood. Khan is fluent in English, Dari, Urdu, and Pashto- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Born in Kabul, Afghanistan Wida and her family fled to Pakistan when the Soviet Army invaded in the mid 1970's and immigrated to America in 1981. Having been raised in a conservative household, Wida kept her dreams of acting to herself, but quietly took several drama classes in high school and college.
After graduating from college with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Political Science, she pursued a career in broadcast news, but later decided to work in the field of public relations. For many years, because of her conservative nurturing, she was not able to pursue her dreams of being an actress, to really achieve the "American Dream," until 2018.
Since then, Wida has fully dived into acting by taking classes with Robert D'Avanzo, Leslie Kahn, Amy Lyndon, Mark Daugherty and improv at The Groundlings.
She has started adding to her credits, including a costar role on CBS's NCIS; a role on the pilot episode of ABC's reboot of "LA Law;" a guest starring role on Fox's Game of Talents; and the lead role in the film "Before Dawn, Kabul Time," which was executive produced by Lena Waithe and premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and several indie projects and commercials.- Writer
- Additional Crew
- Director
Date of Birth: September 7, 1962
Growing up in Afghanistan, Siddiq Barmak dreamed of being a cinema projectionist, but he eventually realized that he wanted to have a more hands-on role in filmmaking, and in 1987, he got his masters in film direction.In 1988, he made his first documentary short film, called The Disaster of Withering, and in 1991, he filmed his first full-length documentary: The Hadith of Conquer. From 1992 to 1996 Siddiq was head of the Afghan Film Organization while living in Kabul, but when the Taliban took control, filmmaking was banned, and Barmak was forced to escape first to the north, then eventually to Pakistan. Returning in 2001 after an American-led invasion brought about the collapse of Taliban, Siddiq re-established the Afghan Film Organization and went on to found the Buddha Film Organization. Unfortunately, all of Siddiq's previous works were confiscated and destroyed during the Taliban regime. Among his film credits is the Dari language film Urooj that depicts the Afghan resistance against the 1979 to 1989 invasion of the Soviet Union.
Barmak decided to write and direct his first feature film, Osama (2003), after hearing a true story about a girl in Afghan who disguised herself as a boy during the Taliban regime so she could attend school. Barmak decided to use non-professional actors in the film and searched orphanages and refugee camps for his cast. He found a 12-year-old girl, Marina Golbahari, to play his main character on the street after she approached him to ask for spare change. Osama has won awards all over the world, including a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.- Actress
- Soundtrack
A lovely young actress who was discovered by director Sadiq Barmak. At the time she was 13, working the Afghani streets of Kabul as a beggar to help feed the family. The director hired her to play the nameless girl turned boy "Osama" in the film Osama (2003). She used her earnings to shelter her parents. Noticable for her beautiful smile, she is generally a shy, modest girl known for her giggles and blushes.- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Sound Department
Ali Olomi is from Afghanistan (American Citizen, residing in Los Angeles, CA).
He is an accomplished actor (SAG-AFTRA) known for Feature Films and TV shows such as: 12 Strong, Little America, Seal Team, Madam Secretary, Stumptown, 68 Whiskey, Rogue Warfare: Death of a Nation, NCIS:LA, Wildcat, Scandal, Beyond Paradise, INAPP, The Colony, Blue, Other People's Money and more.
Ali Olomi started working as an Actor out of pure love of the arts. He is a talented Actor who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression. His roles are often noted for their unique blend of passion, grace, and fire.
Ali Olomi is also multilingual and speaks several languages fluently including: English, Pashto (Native Language), Farsi/Dari (Native Language), Hindi and has knowledge of Arabic, German and Urdu.- Hashmat Khan was born in Afghanistan. He is known for Bandh Darwaza (1990), Sach (1989) and Krishan Avtaar (1993).
- Writer
- Director
- Actor
Atiq Rahimi was born on 26 February 1962 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a writer and director, known for Earth and Ashes (2004), The Patience Stone (2012) and Our Lady of the Nile (2019).- Adnan Ghalib was born in 1972 in Afghanistan. He has been married to Azlynn Berry since 18 December 2003.
- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Kane Mahon is Canadian Academy nominated actor, who is fluent in three languages. He is best known for his supporting role in Angelina Jolie's Oscar nominated feature The Breadwinner, Amazon's original series Patriot, The Cuban, playing alongside Golden Globe winner Shohreh Aghdashloo and Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. Mahon's new feature includes Red Snow.- Ariana Ayam was born on 3 July 1987 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is an actress, known for Heartless (2014) and Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013).
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Roya Sadat was born in Herat, Afghanistan. She is known for A Letter to the President (2017), Se noghta (2003) and Sima's Song (2023).- Producer
- Writer
- Director
Monière and his family fled the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 and settled in Karachi, Pakistan. He, his six siblings, mother, and grandparents stayed behind for two years while his brother and father left for Brooklyn, New York. Once he immigrated to Brooklyn, from an early age, he found his purpose in life; film, cinema and story-telling.
The success of his first feature film "Dissonance", award-winning shorts, and videos with Eastern themes and plots set in the West, confirmed his vision as a unique filmmaker with a purpose as well as a top Afghan-American filmmaker.
"Soul To Keep" played at well-known festivals, rented on Netflix. It was well received by critics, "the final act was one of the most satisfying things I've seen in a while. I urge everyone to give this film a try." - Morbidly Beautiful - "Labeling this one as a 'classic' and "The Evil Dead" meets "Night of the Demons" probably gives you the idea that you know how Soul to Keep is going to play out. Wrong." - Horror Society.
Lastly, his globally acclaimed documentaries on the mind, body, and spirit gained him admiration and respect for the work he contributed to the field. He traveled to remote regions worldwide, documenting scientists, healers, gurus, Sufis, and complete strangers to create a series called "Zen Nation".
Monière completed his Bachelor's Degree in media studies, theater arts and psychology at the State University of New York-New Paltz, graduating with honors. He further pursued his Master's degree in film studies and psychoanalytic theories at CUNY Hunter and The New School.- Additional Crew
- Director
Nelufar Hedayat was born on 1 January 1988 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is a director, known for Ritually (2023), In Real Life (2021) and Celebrity Mastermind (2002).- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Rangeela was born on 1 January 1937 in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. He was an actor and director, known for Dev.D (2009), Diya Aur Toofan (1969) and Rangeela (1970). He died on 24 May 2005 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.- Actor
- Stunts
Najeem Khan was born on 4 February 1992 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is an actor, known for Pathaan (2023), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Nakabandi (2019).- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Humayoon Shams Khan (born February 22, 1991 in Kabul, Afghanistan) is an Afghan born Canadian actor, model, presenter, and producer best known for Torbaaz and Shiddat. When he was two years old, his family was forced to leave their country Afghanistan because of the civil war. As he was growing up, he started showing passion for acting by taking part in family videos and short films. Khan's older brother "Haroon Shams Khan" recognized his passion for acting early on and started encouraging him. He was also inspired through Bollywood and Hollywood movies. In 2001 Khan & his family came back to his country Afghanistan but the security measures were still weak so they again migrated to Canada in search of a better life. In Canada, he graduated from Woodroffe High School Ottawa. He then decided to move to Toronto to start his acting career. Khan got his bachelors degree in acting for, theater, film, TV & media from Toronto Film Academy, Canada.
After graduating from film Academy, he started acting in Canadian film industry for several years. When he got a good amount of experience in Canadian Film Industry, he then moved back to Afghanistan to start building the Afghan entertainment industry. Therefore, he started directing and producing TV shows such as "Who want to be a millionaire in Afghanistan", Afghan Shayer" and many more.
In 2016, After an extremely successful film "FACELESS" which was the first ever Afghan superhero film, Khan made his way towards in Bollywood. He is now debuting in a Bollywood Super star Sunjay Dutt film "Torbaaz" where he will be playing army major role, Salamat Khan and Sameer Hussain film "Ishq Ke Rang" directed by Pradeep R. Sharma, Atul Garg film "The legend of peacock" and Also, Sunil Shetty next military film ''Code Al'' directed by Shekar Sirrinn.
The future is looking bright as HS Khan is looking forward to conquering Bollywood and going down in the history books for becoming the first Canadian/Afghan actor who has made it this far in the film industry. Humayoon is fluent in Pashto, Dari, Hindi and English. Khan is now in Mumbai and working hard on his upcoming Bollywood projects.- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Salar Pashtoonyar is a filmmaker hailing from Afghanistan.
With a portfolio of compelling shorts, he has garnered international recognition, having his films screened at renowned festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand International, and Telluride Film Festival and featured on CBC Canada and Canal +. His short film, "Bad Omen," received recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards 2021 as a nominee for Best Canadian Short. It also won the esteemed Student Oscar at the 2021 Academy Gold.- Actor
- Producer
Zarif Kabier is an Afghan stage and screen actor. He holds a Master's in acting from Columbia University where he received the Dean's Scholarship Award and the requirement of having a Bachelor's degree was waived in order for him to attend the program.
Zarif is the second son born to Muhammed Kabier Sadiqi, a medical doctor and an Afghan National Army General, and to Jameela Sadiqi (née Monsef), a school-teacher and home-maker. His father passed away in Afghanistan during the civil war. Zarif spent the first 12 years of his life in Kabul, Afghanistan, living through the Afghan civil-war and the Taliban regime until he and his family sought political asylum and resettled in the United States.
As a stage-actor, he has performed in several major regional theatre companies such as Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre off-Broadway, Cleveland Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, the Thick House in San Francisco, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, among others. Recently, he was seen at the Guthrie Theatre in Enemy of the People. He last performed on stage with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra at the Disney Concert Hall in Shakespeare's The Tempest.- Javid Hakim is an Afghan-Persian actor based in Vienna, Austria known for intense on-screen and on-stage presence.
At the age of 5, he moved with his family to Iran, where he grew up. At the age of 12, he started to train and perform Shaolin Kungfu/Wushu and won several prizes at city and country level. At that time he already started working as a choreographer for martial arts in films. In 2010 he took several classes in acting, directory and screenplay in Isfahan.
Since 2013 he lives and works in Vienna/Austria, where he had his first role as a solo performer in 2014.
From 2015 to 2019, he studied acting at diverCITYLAB Academy Vienna. Since then he's played in several theatre productions and short films, such as: Junge Burg "Gimme Shelter" on stage; short film "Ein letztes Mal" (director: Jura Branellec); short film "Es war einmal" (director: Hüseyin Tabak); theatre production "The Mechanical Paradise" (director: Yosi Wanunu); theatre performance "The hour we knew nothing of earth other" (Asli Kislal); theatre performance "How to live together" (director: Yosi Wanunu) by the group Toxic Dreams at Kunsthalle Wien, and the theatre performance "Do Whales Dream of Tasty Sharks?" (director: Yosi Wananu). The last theatre production he was seen in was "Kalashnikov Mon Amour" (director: Corinne Eckenstein) in 2021 at Dschungel Wien.
In addition to his theatre and film work, Javid recently appeared in Guy Ritchie's film "The Covenant" in the role of "Ismail." - Jalaluddin Rumi, Scholar in Religious Sciences and famed Sufi Mystic Poet, was born on September 29th 1207 A.D. in Balkh (modern day Afghanistan). Escaping Mongol invasions he travelled extensively to Muslim lands, Bagdad, Mecca, Damascus, Malatia (Turkey). Married Gevher Khatun of Samarquand and moved to Quonya (Konya in present day Turkey). Encountering the wandering dervish and Saint Shamsuddin Tabrezi, who introduced him to the path of mystical and spiritual knowledge. Author of six volumes of didactic epic works. His most famous work in seven books and 24,660 couplets is written in Dari and Arabic and commonly referred to as the "Persian Quran" by Jami. His son was killed with the mystic dervish Shams. He himself died on December 16th 1273 A.D. and his bier was followed by men of five faiths. The night became the "Sebul Arus" or "Night of Union", and ever since the Mawlawi Dervishes celebrate this date as a Festival. Rumi leaves the world a legacy of profound poetry and writings of the most intense spirituality and simplicity ever to be written. Rumi's "Divan-e-Shams" and "Mathnawi" are his most popular works worldwide.
- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
Baktash is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with a Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Studies. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, fled war at age 5, lived in India for 5 years before moving to America with his family at age 10.
Baktash is the founder and CEO of Paramount Business Jets, an internationally-renowned leader in the luxury private aircraft industry, with the largest selection of jets in the world.
Baktash starred in FireDancer, Afghanistan's first entry in the Oscars for best foreign film and Spike Lee's Inside Man. He has traveled extensively, is fluent in several languages.- Producer
- Actor
Wali Razaqi was born on 25 January 1979 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a producer and actor, known for Locked Down (2010), Layla (2009) and The Hammer (2010). He has been married to Emily Card Razaqi since 2 July 2000.- Ahmad Shah Massoud was born on 1 September 1953 in Jangalak Panjsher, Afghanistan. He died on 9 September 2001 in Khoaja Bahauddin, Takhar, Afghanistan.
- Actor
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Malik Akhlaqi Born in 1994 in Daikundi, Afghanistan . He immigrated from birth Malik Akhlaqi's parents moved from Daikundi to Kabul in 2003 .Malik was lucky enough to meet Afghan director (Siddiq Barmak) in the Pamir cinema one day .Siddiq Barmak needed a child to play the role of a child to make Osama's film.he liked Malik for acting this role . And Malik, who was only 9 years old, made his acting debut in Osama filme malik completed her primary education in Kabul at the Esteghlal School. She completed her second role in late 2004 in the film Earth and Ashes, directed by Atiq Rahimi. In 2006, she starred in another film, Zolykha's Secret, directed by Horace Shansab, which chronicles the life of a poor Afghan family. In 2012, she starred in the film "Patience Stone" directed by Atiq Rahimi.Besides acting, Malik is interested in playing musical instruments. He has learned to play the guitar and the harmonia well. he respects the traditional music of Afghanistan and performs music in circles and celebrations .Malik succeeded in studying at Kabul University and studied journalism at Kabul University.And emigrated again in 2019. In Iran, he has acted with Iranian directors in several films about Afghanistan .malik released two of his music albums in 2020 The album (Mahi-Gham) which narrates the sufferings of an immigrant that attracted the attention of most Afghan immigrants .And the album (Mahi -Alam soz), which combines traditional Afghan music with traditional Iranian music, found its fans Malik Akhlaqi has released her music called Stage Malikdelha- Director
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Sahraa Karimi was born on 21 May 1983 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is a director and writer, known for Hava, Maryam, Ayesha (2019), Afghan Women Behind the Wheel (2009) and Flight from Kabul.- Actor
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Ahmad Zahir was born on 14 June 1946 in Laghman province, Afghanistan. He was an actor and writer, known for Battle Me (2012), United States of Al (2021) and Afghanistan (2010). He died on 14 June 1979 in Kabul, Afghanistan.- Ramin Feiz is an Afghan-born Dutch actor, writer and cinematographer. Ramin was born in Afghanistan, Farah District, and lived until his two year in Farah in Afghanistan. In 1994, he emigrated to the Netherlands where he become a Software Engineer. He started his acting career while he studied. In 2008. he had his start as "Jamal" in the Tv Serie Raafmixer. Further roles followed in the shows Spangas, Ennujij, TMF Freerunning and Zandloper. In 2016 till 2019 he made several short movies in Afghani Language. He speaks several languages fluently including Dari/Farsi, Dutch and English and has knowledge of Hindi and Arabic. As an actor and writer, Ramin's focused on telling stories with high diversity aspects. He developed several short films; a love story 4 x 15 minutes.
- Mirwais Alizai is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grand Technology Resources (GTR), who was born 11 Feb 1979 in a business oriented family in, Afghanistan. He pursued his qualification and acquired his bachelor degree in the field of Business Administration from Roose Widener University, District of Columbia, United States of America. He has years of leadership experience and has speaking dominance over Pashto, Dari, and English languages. He is the executive producer of the movie "Hyena Road," a high octane Afghanistan war epic in partnership with Rhombus media Inc. Toronto, Canada.
Mirwais Alizai first commenced his business in 1998; soon after, he inaugurated his business of imports and exports across countries. The realm of his business was expanded and he established a multinational company under the name of Grand Technology Resources (GTR) in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and expanded its country offices in Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2006. In the aspect of the company's rapid expansion of its products and services, its system development office was established in Seoul, South Korea. Through GTR, Mirwais Alizai aims to bring businesses, governments, and communities to the massive use of technology and technological innovations. Besides, making investments in the sector of electronic devices; he has established crude and refined oil company "Globix" that operates in the aspect of oil distribution in various countries mainly across Asia and Middle East. Mirwais Alizai also supports and contributes to the cultural values reflected through the execution of programs and events around the world. - Director
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Ali Hakim was born in 1985 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a director and writer, known for Taweez: The Talisman Writer (2014), Bonnie & Bonnie (2019) and Rostam (2010).- Jawed Wassel was born in 1960 in Afghanistan. He was a director, known for Firedancer (2002). He died on 3 October 2001 in Queens, New York, USA.
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Walid Nakschbandi was born on 14 August 1968 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He is a producer and director, known for Friedman (2001), The Diary of Anne Frank (2016) and Morgen ist ein anderer Tag - Der Dorfpolizist und die Juden (2004).- Director
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Fazila Amiri is an Afghan Canadian director and screenwriter based in Toronto. She holds an MFA in Film Production from York University. Her first documentary feature, AND STILL I SING (2022) premiered at the 2022 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and won Best Music Documentary, Grand Jury Prize at the Nashville Film Festival, Fearless Award at Doc Edge Festival, Best Music Documentary Award at See The Sound Film Festival, and Grand Jury Prize at The Musical Écran Film Festival.- Actress
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Fereshta Kazemi is an Afghan-American film Actress in the United States & Afghanistan. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan at the height of the country's Russian take over, Kazemi fled with her family on one of the last planes out of Kabul. They went to Bankok, Thailand for a few years, then to New York City where she was raised. The family migrated to the California Bay Area in her mid-teens. At eighteen, Kazemi won an acting and academic scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, where she studied acting and writing, the first Afghan female to study acting in the United States. Kazemi also earned a degree in Philosophy & Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Davis. She continued graduate acting and screenwriting studies at Academy of Art University and earned an MBA, emphasizing in Film Production from Chapman University. In 2009, Kazemi starred in Heal, a film about Afghanistan which has won twenty international and domestic film festival awards, including winner of the Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Category at Comic Con International Film Festival in 2011. In 2010, Kazemi starred in Targeting, a U.S. psychological thriller, playing a young Afghan immigrant wife in the U.S., which included a scene of one of the first on screen kisses in cinema for an Afghan Actress. Kazemi has categorically been profiled as an artist creating change in Afghan culture through cinema, with NBC News calling her a "trailblazer". The L.A. Times said Fereshta offers "no apology, no explanation...Raised in the U.S., she is back now for the first time [in Afghanistan], determined to radically alter the way Afghans view women - particularly women who act". In 2013, Fereshta played the leading role in The Icy Sun, one of the first films openly dealing with rape in Afghanistan. NBC News said her role "breaks new ground for Afghanistan, where victims of rape can be forced to marry their attackers to preserve their families' honor". Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Carolyn Cole, snapped Kazemi in one of the first miniskirts to grace the streets of Kabul since the fall of the Taleban in 2001.- Music Department
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Ehsan Aman was born in 1959 in Lashkargah, Afghanistan. He is an actor and composer, known for The Kite Runner (2007), The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus (2022) and Simply Us (2019). He has been married to Sahar Aman since 1985.- Burhanuddin Rabbani was born on 20 September 1940 in Afghanistan, Badakhshan, Afghanistan. He died on 20 November 2011 in Kabul, Afghanistan.
- His family belongs to the Pashtun tribe and the Popalzai dynasty, which provided many kings of Afghanistan in the past. His father Abdul Ahad Karzai was a recognized Popalzai leader. After attending school in Kabul, Karzai began studying political science at the Indian University of Simla in 1979, which he completed in 1983. He then initially stayed in India, but also stayed in the USA, where he came into contact with the CIA. Meanwhile, Soviet troops had occupied Afghanistan. With the support of the American secret services, Karzai prepared resistance actions against the occupiers. Towards the end of the 1980s, Karzai returned to his homeland to actively support resistance groups against the Soviet occupation. After the withdrawal of Soviet troops, Karzai was appointed deputy foreign minister in Burhanuddin Rabbani's cabinet in 1992.
As the Taliban rose to power in the 1990s, Karzai initially emerged as a supporter. However, he soon distanced himself from the new forces because he did not share their Islamist goals. In 1996 he took refuge in the UN embassy and then went into exile in the USA. In 1999, his father was murdered by the Taliban in exile in Pakistan. In the USA, Karzai cooperated with the US secret services, with whom he prepared the overthrow of the Taliban regime after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The Afghan politician in exile was nominated as president of the future transitional government at the Bonn Afghanistan Conference in December 2001. After the American military strike against Afghanistan and the overthrow of the Taliban, Karzai was elected president of the interim government in June 2002. The provisional head of government narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in September 2002.
From December 2003 to January 2004, Karzai chaired the Constituent Grand Council (Loya Jirga), which adopted Afghanistan's new constitution, according to which the country was constituted as an Islamic republic. In the presidential elections of October 2004, Karzai won with 55.4% of the vote amid extremely high popular voter turnout. At the beginning of December 2004, the politician was ceremoniously inaugurated into office as head of state of the new Afghanistan in Kabul. One of the most important official acts of the President of Afghanistan, whose term of office is intended to last five years, was the holding of the country's first free parliamentary elections in April 2005. In mid-May 2005, Karzai made a state visit to Belgium, where he also met with EU representatives.
He then went on a state visit to Washington. Karzai was honored with the Philadelphia Liberty Medal in July 2004.