Film Night at Beginner’s Mind Temple
In the Conference Center at 308 Page Street
"Growing Up in America: Life After the Taliban"
After narrowly escaping from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in August 2021, 21-year-old Ali and his younger brother begin a new life in Northern California. "Growing up in America: Life After the Taliban" is an intimate documentary short following their family's journey of building home after war.
Directed by Isabel Rose Soloaga
Co-directed by Najaf Ali Mohammady
Isabel Soloaga is a documentary filmmaker from the San Francisco Bay Area and a CNN + Film Independent Fellow. She holds an MA in Migration and Global Development and previously worked in humanitarian relief efforts throughout Europe and the United States. She brings over six years of firsthand experience to the subjects explored in this film. This is her reflection on the meaning of home and identity, written together with the family it follows as they transition from life in war-torn Afghanistan to their new homes in the U.S.
Najaf Ali Mohammady, 21, fled his home of Kabul, Afghanistan in August 2021 with the takeover of the Taliban. He was about to graduate with a BA in Computer Science from Kabul University before he was forced to evacuate. He is the beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews, an avid photographer and incredible friend. Ali is a Bay Area Video Coalition Bridges Fellow.
Ali and Isabel met in Fort Bliss, Texas, where Ali was sent after escaping from Kabul. There, Isabel was working with the International Rescue Committee at Fort Bliss as a first responder. They met on a lunch break.
Understanding the need to share this story, the two of them decided to create this film together.
EXTRA INFO:
Popcorn to be served! Q&A with the director Isabel Soloaga (a former SFZC resident) and co-director Najaf Ali Mohammady and the California Hazara Community following the screening
We will be showing a fine-cut version of this documentary (45 minutes) and will ask viewers for their impressions and feedback on the film following the showing.
Free public event. Registration is required.
Before registering, please review the Health and Safety Requirements.