Oscar dreams for young Afghan actors
- 11 years ago
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.
(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.