Oscar Dreams for Young Afghan Actors

An Afghan boy sells maps to earn a living in Kabul but has dreams of walking up the red carpet in America after the film he stars in, "Buzkashi Boys", receives an Oscar nomination. Bob Mezan reports.

Published

4 months ago

Categories

World, Arts & Society

Topics

Movies, Arts & Culture, Asia

People

Bob Mezan

Places

Afghanistan, Los Angeles, Kabul

Transcript

It was while walking through the Afghan capital selling maps that young Fawad Mohammadi was spotted and asked to appear in a movie. That movie - "Buzkashi Boys" - has now picked up an Oscar nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category and could mean a trip to the red carpet for Mohammadi and his costars. (SOUNDBITE) Fawad Mohammadi saying (Dari): "Initially my dream was to become a pilot so I am not giving up that ambition. I wanted to be a pilot but now I find myself as an actor. I am studying hard at my lessons to become a pilot as well as a good actor in the future." Mohammadi gained international attention following the film's release last year for his personal story: a fatherless youth who grew up selling maps of Kabul to tourists. He said the Oscar nomination has given him a new confidence. (SOUNDBITE) Fawad Mohammadi saying (Dari): "After my movie was nominated for an Oscar I became more confident in myself that my dreams are about to become a reality." An online campaign has been established to fund Mohammadi's trip to L.A. - meaing that the young boy will likely be rubbing shoulders with Hollywood's elite on February 24.