Written by Vianka Petines• March 19, 2025• 7:30 am• Featured Interview • Views: 1

Amber Afzali’s Journey of Representation and Empowerment

Introducing Amber Afzali: Passion, Purpose, and the Power of Storytelling

I’m Amber Afzali, an actress deeply passionate about storytelling and the impact it has on people. My love for acting comes from the desire to bring characters to life—characters that inspire, challenge perspectives, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Acting allows me to step into different worlds, explore new personalities, and push past my own boundaries. It’s a delicate balance of self-awareness and emotional freedom—recognizing my own habits while embracing the raw, unfiltered essence of each role.

More than anything, I want to tell stories that matter—stories that give voice to those often left unheard. I am dedicated to portraying complex, underrepresented characters and bringing authentic narratives to the screen, particularly those reflecting the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of marginalized communities.

Standing Out in the Industry: Culture, Education, and Authenticity

What sets me apart in this industry is my identity as an Afghan American woman—representation that remains rare in Hollywood. Growing up, I rarely saw women like me on screen, and I strive to be part of the movement changing that.

Beyond my cultural background, my deep love for academia and research also makes me unique. I approach acting as both an artistic and intellectual pursuit, ensuring that my performances are emotionally rich, well-researched, and culturally accurate. Through observation and preparation, I bring nuance and authenticity to every role I take on.

Photographer: Birdie Thompson at Bird’s Eye Photography @birds_eye_photo | Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist | Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup

The Defining Moment: Finding My Passion for Acting

As a child, I was extremely shy—to the point where I would rely on my sister to speak for me in public settings. Hoping to help me break out of my shell, my parents enrolled both of us in acting classes when we moved to California.

At first, I hesitated. But over time, I began to embrace the challenge. One pivotal moment came when I performed a monologue in front of my class. Overcoming my nerves, I gave it my all—and to my surprise, I was awarded a small trophy for the best performance of the day. That moment stuck with me. I dated the bottom of the trophy and gave it to my mom, who was overjoyed. That night, I knew I had found something special.

Though I later put acting aside to focus on my education, the pandemic brought me back to California, reigniting my passion. Encouraged by my mom, I took an acting class, and everything clicked.

One opportunity led to another, and before I knew it, I had signed with an incredible manager, booked my first major role in Rule Breakers, and found an amazing agent. It felt like the universe was telling me I was on the right path.

Overcoming Challenges: Finding My Place and Trusting the Journey

Navigating my 20s has been one of my biggest challenges—constantly questioning whether I’m making the right choices, taking the right risks, and pursuing the right path. The pressure to achieve my goals can feel overwhelming, much like Sylvia Plath’s metaphor of the fig tree—endless choices, yet the fear of missing out on the right one.

Fortunately, I’ve always had an incredibly supportive family. But trusting myself, silencing self-doubt, and overcoming anxiety remains a constant process. I remind myself that every experience has shaped who I am today, and as long as my family and I are happy and healthy, everything else will fall into place.

**Bringing Rule Breakers to Life: A Story That Hits Close to Home**

Rule Breakers tells the inspiring true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team, a groundbreaking achievement led by Roya Mahboob. When I first got the audition, I was in disbelief—my very first audition, and it was for a film about Afghanistan! Having followed the team’s story when it first made headlines, I was honored to have the chance to be part of this project.

I play Esin, one of the team members, and what drew me to this role was the opportunity to shift the narrative about Afghan women. This film isn’t about war or oppression—it’s about hope, perseverance, and achievement. It’s a celebration of Afghan girls’ intelligence, strength, and dreams, and I couldn’t be prouder to bring their story to life.

Preparing for a Role Rooted in Reality

Knowing that Rule Breakers is based on true events, I approached my preparation with deep respect and responsibility. The cast took dialect coaching to ensure authenticity while making the film accessible to a global audience.

I immersed myself in research—watching YouTube videos, TED Talks, and documentaries about the team. I studied Afghan culture closely, paying attention to family dynamics and mannerisms. Meeting Roya and Elaha in New York before filming was a game-changer, as it gave me a deeper sense of responsibility to do justice to their story.

Director Bill Guttentag was committed to authenticity, which made the experience even more meaningful. But perhaps the most rewarding part was bonding with my fellow castmates. Our connection was so real that when Roya told us we reminded her of the actual team, it was one of the most touching moments of my life.

The Best Part of Filming: A Sisterhood on Set

The friendships I formed with my castmates were the best part of this experience. From traveling together to sharing late-night laughter, we became like family. Even the longest days on set were filled with joy because of their energy and support.

We also shared deep cultural connections—similar childhood experiences, languages, and inside jokes that made everything feel even more personal. It was the first time I had ever felt so seen and understood in a professional setting.

Biggest Challenges on Set: Self-Doubt and Balance

As my first film, Rule Breakers came with its challenges. The biggest? Believing in myself. I constantly questioned whether I was delivering the right performance, whether I was doing justice to the story. But the unwavering support from the cast and crew helped me build confidence.

Another challenge was balancing my university studies with filming. Managing schoolwork while shooting in different time zones was exhausting but exhilarating. Some nights, I would be on set at 6 AM and then attending Zoom lectures until 2 AM. It was intense, but looking back, I’m proud I pulled it off.

Meeting Roya Mahboob: A Moment of Inspiration

Meeting Roya Mahboob in New York was surreal. I had admired her work for years, and when she walked into the café, her quiet yet powerful presence was undeniable. Speaking to her in Dari made our conversation even more personal. She’s not only a trailblazer but also incredibly kind, intelligent, and deeply passionate about empowering women.

Being part of a film that tells her story is an honor. She is living proof that one person’s determination can create lasting change, and I’m grateful to help bring that message to the world.

Honoring My Afghan Roots Through Storytelling

Portraying an Afghan character in Rule Breakers carried immense personal significance. With my family’s deep ties to Afghanistan, I felt a responsibility to honor our culture authentically. While this pressure was daunting, it was also comforting—whenever I had cultural questions, I could turn to my parents for guidance.

Ultimately, this film is more than just a project—it’s a tribute to the resilience, intelligence, and dreams of Afghan women. It’s an opportunity to show the world a different narrative—one filled with strength, ambition, and hope.

And for me, it’s just the beginning.

A Proud UPenn Alum: Why I Chose Political Science and International Relations

I’m always excited to talk about my college experience because my time at UPenn was truly unforgettable! I pursued a double major in Political Science, with a concentration in International Relations, and Psychology—two fields that deeply resonated with my passions.

Political Science has always felt like a natural fit for me. I’ve been endlessly curious about global affairs—how governments function, why conflicts arise, and, most importantly, how we can build a more just and equitable world.

My focus on International Relations was deeply personal. Growing up, Afghanistan was frequently in the headlines, often associated with war and instability. It may sound idealistic, but I wanted to study these complex global dynamics—political vacuums, refugee rights, and international law—to better understand the issues affecting my heritage and, hopefully, be part of the solution.

Law school was always in the plan, and honestly, it still might be. Who knows what the future holds? But for now, I’m incredibly grateful for everything I learned at UPenn—it shaped the way I see the world and influences everything I do today.

How My UPenn Education Influences My Acting Career

My time at UPenn has been invaluable to my acting journey in ways I never expected. My psychology degree, for example, has given me a deeper understanding of human behavior—why people act the way they do, what motivates them, and how emotions shape our decisions.

Acting is all about bringing people’s experiences to life in the most authentic way possible, and psychology has given me a strong foundation to do just that.

Penn’s emphasis on research has also been a game-changer. I approach every role with a deep curiosity, always diving into character backgrounds, historical contexts, and even body language nuances. The more I understand, the more I can bring to my performances.

Beyond academics, UPenn was an incredible melting pot of cultures and perspectives. Living and learning alongside people from all over the world shaped me in profound ways. The friendships I made, the experiences I had, and even the places I traveled to have all contributed to the actor—and person—I am today.

Balancing Acting and Advocacy

I’ve always believed that no matter where life takes me, I have a responsibility to use my platform to advocate for women’s rights and share Afghanistan’s rich history and culture. My role in Rule Breakers aligned perfectly with that mission, which felt like a true gift.

I firmly believe that when you’re given opportunities—whether in acting or any other field—you should use them to uplift others. While I can’t champion every cause that’s important to me, I do my best to contribute in meaningful ways and advocate for a more just and empathetic world.

Balancing activism and acting isn’t always easy, but strong time management and a supportive inner circle make all the difference. Having people around me who keep me grounded and focused helps me stay on track. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure my energy is going toward the things that truly align with my values.

Something People Might Not Know About Me

One fun fact about me? I’m a huge fitness enthusiast! I train in tae kwon do, kickboxing, and calisthenics about 4-5 times a week. My ultimate goal? To feel like a warrior straight out of a fantasy novel or video game.

The discipline and perseverance that come with training have taught me so much, both physically and mentally. There’s something incredibly rewarding about pushing my body to new limits, and I can’t wait to see how much stronger I can become!

Dream Roles and My Ultimate Cast

There are so many characters I’d love to play—it’s one of the best things about acting! My dream role would be something action-packed, like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider or Dust from X-Men.

I’ve been a Tomb Raider fan for years, and Lara Croft is the ultimate adventurer—brilliant, fearless, and independent. Playing her would be a dream come true. I’d also love to bring Dust to life because of her cultural background and the themes of empowerment and heroism she represents.

It would be amazing to shape her character in a way that feels real and relatable. Plus, my martial arts training would allow me to do my own stunts, which would be such an incredible experience!

I also dream of starring in a biopic—fully immersing myself in someone’s life and capturing their essence on screen. It would be an intense but deeply rewarding challenge.

And, on a completely different note, I’d love to be in a musical like Phantom of the Opera or The Hunchback of Notre Dame! Singing has always been a huge passion of mine, and blending music with acting would be an unforgettable experience.

As for my dream cast, I’d love to work alongside Florence Pugh, Oscar Isaac, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Ryan Gosling, and Naomi Scott. Not sure what kind of film would bring us all together, but just the thought of collaborating with them is beyond exciting!

Advice for Aspiring Actors

My biggest advice? If you truly want something, you will find a way—don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible.

When I booked Rule Breakers during my junior year at Penn, I was told balancing a movie with my studies and graduating on time would be impossible. But I made it work.

I studied on set between takes, reviewed materials during breaks, and used every spare moment to stay on top of my academics. It wasn’t easy, but I graduated Summa Cum Laude right on schedule.

That experience taught me that determination and resourcefulness can overcome even the biggest challenges.

I also want to emphasize the importance of patience—something I’m still working on myself! The entertainment industry can be tough, but it’s also full of incredible opportunities. If you love what you do and stay committed to the process, every challenge will be worth it.

Three People I’d Love to Meet

If I could meet three people who could take my career to the next level, they would be:

Francine Maisler – One of the best casting directors in the business. Her work on Succession and Little Women is phenomenal, and I’d love to hear her insights on auditions and performances.
Christopher Nolan – His storytelling is next level, and Interstellar is one of my all-time favorite films. Just being on set with him would be a masterclass in filmmaking.
Angelina Jolie – She’s not just an incredible actress but also an inspiring humanitarian. I’d love to learn from her—both about acting and about handling life’s challenges with strength and grace.