Please introduce yourself, what you do, why you do it, and what you want people to know about you.
My name is Amber Afzali, and I am an actress with a deep love for storytelling. I’m passionate about bringing characters to life—characters that evoke emotion, challenge perspectives, and resonate with audiences on a personal level.
I find joy in exploring different personalities, quirks, and accents, constantly pushing myself to unlearn my own habits to fully embody new roles. Acting is a fascinating balance of self-awareness and freedom—being conscious enough to recognize my patterns while remaining open to expressing raw, uninhibited emotions.
I want people to know that I am dedicated to portraying complex and diverse characters, especially those that are often underrepresented in today’s film industry. There is something incredibly inspiring about roles that reflect the full spectrum of human experience—flaws, hopes, fears, pride, and vulnerability.
My goal is to take on characters that embody this dynamic nature and to be an advocate for my community by bringing authentic and powerful stories from underrepresented voices to the forefront.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
What makes me unique in this industry is, first and foremost, my identity as an Afghan American woman. Representation of Afghans let alone Afghan women in film is still limited, and I hope to be part of changing that narrative.
Growing up, I rarely saw women who looked like me on screen—women who shared my culture, background, and experiences. I aspire to be that representation for my community and to help pave the way for more diverse voices in the industry.
Another quality that sets me apart is my deep love for academia, research, and education. These values have been ingrained in me from a young age, and they shape the way I approach acting—not just as an art, but as an intellectual pursuit.
I believe in blending heart and head, ensuring that my performances are not only emotionally authentic but also well-researched and culturally accurate. Observation and preparation play a crucial role in my process, allowing me to bring depth and nuance to every character I portray.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you wanted to do what you do now. Who did you tell first? What has it been like since that moment?
When I was younger, I was incredibly shy—so shy that I would hide behind my sister and rely on her to speak for me at restaurants, doctor’s offices, and even hair salons. When my family moved to California, my parents enrolled my sister and me in acting classes, hoping it would help me break out of my shell.
Each week, I would timidly bring a prepared monologue, commercial, or scene to class, pushing myself little by little. One particular week, our teacher had each student perform their monologue in front of the class. I remember stepping up, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, and giving it my all.
When I finished and sat down, the adrenaline was both terrifying and thrilling. At the end of the class, my teacher called me to the front and awarded me a little teddy bear statue for the best performance of the day. I was beyond happy! I dated the bottom of that tiny trophy and gave it to my mom, who was overjoyed. That night, I went to bed feeling like I had discovered my calling.
Years later, after putting acting aside to immerse myself fully in my academics and finally getting into a university of my dreams, the pandemic hit, bringing me back to California for remote classes. With extra time on my hands, I found myself thinking—I’m here in California, I loved acting before, why not give it another shot? The first person I told was my mom, and she encouraged me like she always had.
She believed in my acting abilities from the very beginning. Toward the end of the pandemic, I finally signed up for an acting class again, and something just clicked. I realized I had a real knack for it and loved experiencing the depth of emotions that came with each scene.
The ability to fully embody another person felt so natural to me, and I was hooked. Since then, things have fallen into place quickly—signing with my wonderful manager, booking my first major role in Rule Breakers, and finding an awesome agent. It all feels like the path I am truly meant to take, using storytelling to share meaningful narratives and amplify voices that deserve to be heard. The rest is history!
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to face and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating my 20s and trying to figure out my place in the world. It’s a time filled with questions—am I taking the right risks? Am I on the right path? There’s so much I want to accomplish in my life, and the pressure I put on myself to achieve it all can be overwhelming at times.
It reminds me of Sylvia Plath’s poem about the fig tree—a beautifully tragic metaphor for the endless choices we face and the fear of letting opportunities slip away.
Thankfully, I’ve grown up in a household that has always been incredibly supportive of whatever decisions I make. My family is behind me 100%, no matter what direction I choose to take. Still, listening to my inner voice and trusting myself is an ongoing challenge.
I sometimes struggle with anxiety and overthinking, wondering if I’ve made the right decisions. The truth is, I’m still overcoming it—it’s a constant process of reminding myself that every choice I’ve made and every experience I’ve had has shaped me into the person I am today.
And honestly, I’m happy with who I’ve become so far. As long as I am healthy, my family is healthy, and we are all happy, I know everything will fall into place. I’m learning to take a deep breath, trust the journey, and continue working on what I love.
You are starring in the upcoming indie film Rule Breakers, based on the true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. Can you tell us more about the film and your character? What drew you to this role?
Rule Breakers is such an inspiring story of resilience and empowerment. It’s based on Roya Mahboob’s incredible efforts to bring STEM education to Afghan girls and create the country’s first all-girls robotics team—something truly groundbreaking in a place where women aren’t always encouraged to pursue their dreams.
When I first got the audition, I was absolutely blown away. It was my very first audition, and I couldn’t believe that someone was actually making a film about Afghanistan—and even more incredible, about Afghan girls. I thought, How amazing is this? My family and I had heard about the robotics team when their story first made the news, and we were so proud of them.
They were an inspiration to us all, showing the world the resilience and brilliance of Afghan women. To have the chance to portray one of these girls on screen felt like an honor and a full-circle moment.
I play Esin, one of the girls on the robotics team, and what really drew me to this role was the opportunity to be part of a story that celebrates Afghan women in a way that focuses on hope and achievements, rather than war and oppression.
It’s so meaningful to bring this story to life and to show the world the strength and potential of Afghan girls. Playing Esin felt incredibly personal, and I’m so proud to be part of a film that highlights their courage and determination.
Did the fact that the film is based on a true story influence how you prepared for the role?
Absolutely! Knowing that Rule Breakers is based on a true story definitely influenced how I prepared for the role. We all took dialect classes to make sure we sounded authentic to the region but still relatable to a global audience.
One of the big reasons the film is in English is because it’s so important for people to connect with these girls and see that they’re just like anyone else. They have dreams, struggles, and triumphs—just like every other person on this earth.
I also spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos of the girls and the competitions, a TED Talk by one of them, and even a documentary about their journey. I wanted to really understand their experiences and what they went through.
I brushed up on my knowledge of Afghanistan during that time, paid close attention to my family’s mannerisms, and I was lucky enough to meet with Roya and Elaha in New York before filming. That meeting was so inspiring and gave me a deeper sense of responsibility to do justice to their story.
On top of that, we had a lot of group and one-on-one meetings with our director, Bill Guttentag, who’s such a visionary. He was really focused on making sure the film felt as real and authentic as possible, which made the whole process even more special.
But honestly, the best part was bonding with the other girls in the cast. We got so close that it really felt like we were part of the real team, and when Roya told us we reminded her of them, it was the most touching moment. It made everything feel so much more real and meaningful.
What did you enjoy most about working with the cast?
What I enjoyed most about working with the cast was the incredible bond we formed. From traveling together to staying up late laughing, every moment felt special. Even the long days on set were made so much better because of their company.
The girls are truly amazing—so full of light, kindness, and energy. They turned even the most exhausting days into some of the best memories of my life. Filming in Morocco and Hungary felt like one big adventure, with something new and exciting waiting for us every day.
One of the things I cherished most was the shared cultural experiences we all brought to the table. We grew up hearing the same phrases from our parents, listening to the same music, watching similar films, and speaking similar languages.
It created such a deep sense of connection and belonging. One of my castmates and I even developed inside jokes based on our shared dialect, which made me feel so seen and understood in a way I hadn’t experienced before on a set.
The entire cast was not only talented but also incredibly supportive and fun to be around. I learned so much from them—about acting, about life, and about embracing the present moment. I feel so grateful to have been surrounded by such a beautiful and talented group of people who truly made this journey unforgettable.
What was the most challenging part of working on the film?
Since Rule Breakers was my first film, everything had the potential to be a challenge. But honestly, thanks to the incredible crew, the entire experience felt magical. We had so many women on set, which created such a nurturing and supportive environment—something that felt especially important for a film centered around women empowerment.
From the director to the cast, and even the producers and makeup artists, it truly felt like we were all working towards a shared vision of creating something meaningful and beautiful.
That said, the most challenging part for me was believing in myself and trusting what I brought to the table as a new actor. It was so important to me to feel like I was doing the character justice and being authentic in my performance.
With it being my first time on set, I had moments of doubt—wondering if my take was good enough, if I truly understood the character, and if I was delivering what was needed. Building that confidence was a challenge, but the love and support from everyone around me made all the difference. I was incredibly fortunate to have my first experience on a set filled with such uplifting people.
Another challenge was balancing schoolwork while filming. Trying to stay on top of assignments while being on set was definitely a juggling act, but honestly, I kind of loved it. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but looking back, I’m so proud that I managed to do both.
It was tough, but it also made the whole experience even more exciting—like I was living this crazy, amazing double life where I would shoot on set sometimes at 6:00 in the morning and then be up till 2:00 in the morning in a lecture on Zoom because of the time difference.
Roya Mahboob plays such a pivotal role in the journey of the robotics team. What do you remember most about your experience meeting her for the first time?
I first met Roya Mahboob in New York about a month before we started filming, and I was definitely a little nervous. I had heard so much about her and the amazing work she’s done for girls’ education in Afghanistan, so the idea of meeting her felt kind of surreal.
We met at this cute little French-style café, but I actually met her sister first. Roya joined us a little later, and the moment she walked in, I could just feel her presence—she has this quiet but powerful energy that’s impossible to ignore. Both she and her sister are such incredible women, and you can tell right away that they’re true changemakers.
One of the things I really loved about meeting Roya was being able to speak with her in Dari. It made our conversation feel even more personal and comfortable, like talking to someone who truly understands your background and experiences. There’s something really special about connecting with someone in your native language—it creates an instant sense of familiarity and belonging.
What really stood out to me about Roya is how effortlessly confident and intelligent she is. She doesn’t have to say much to command attention, and I remember thinking, Wow, she’s really something else. But once I got to know her better—both on set and afterward—I realized how much heart she has.
She’s so passionate about her community and women’s empowerment, and that passion is contagious. At the same time, she’s also super kind, funny, and just really easy to be around.
I’m so glad this film is telling her story, and honestly, I feel so honored to be part of it.
Your parents both came to the United States from Afghanistan. Did you feel any added pressure playing this role since the film was focused on their home country?
Definitely. It wasn’t just the fact that my parents came from Afghanistan—it’s my grandparents, my dozens of aunts and uncles, and so many of my cousins who still feel such a deep connection to our homeland. I know they’ll all be flooding the theaters when the film is released, and I honestly can’t wait for them to see it.
While filming, I often thought about how they would view certain scenes and what they would think of my performance. I didn’t want it to feel forced or inauthentic—I wanted it to be real for them, something they could truly connect with and feel proud of.
At the same time, while it did create a sense of pressure, it also brought a lot of comfort. Whenever I had questions about Afghan culture, I had my parents to turn to, and that was such a blessing. They were my top advisors, always ready to help whenever I needed guidance or clarification. Having that direct connection to my heritage made preparing for the role feel even more meaningful and personal.
Ultimately, I think my family’s deep roots in Afghanistan made this film so much more than just a project—it felt like an opportunity to honor their stories and experiences in a way that felt honest and heartfelt.
You are a proud UPENN alum. What made you choose Political Science as your major, and why did you focus on International Relations?
I’m so glad to have the chance to talk about my college experience because I absolutely loved my time at UPenn! I double majored in Political Science, with a concentration in International Relations, and Psychology—two fields that really spoke to my interests and passions.
Political Science felt like such a natural fit for me, and it still does. I’ve always been curious about how the world operates, why conflicts arise, how governments function, and most importantly, how we can create a better, more just society.
I chose to focus on International Relations because of my deep connection to Afghanistan. Growing up, Afghanistan was always in the news, often associated with conflict and instability. It might sound a little idealistic and maybe even naive, but I wanted to study International Relations to understand these complex issues—political vacuums, refugee rights, and international law—in hopes that I could one day be part of the solution. I wanted to learn how global systems work and how real change can happen on an international scale.
For me, the plan was law school, and honestly, I may still pursue it someday. Who knows what the future holds? But for now, I’m grateful for everything I learned at UPenn, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I do.
Is there anything you learned during your time at UPENN that has been beneficial as you pursue acting?
My time at UPenn has honestly been such a big help in my acting journey in ways I didn’t even expect. My psychology degree, for example, has been super useful in understanding people—why they do what they do and what drives them.
I think I was drawn to psychology because I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior and the way people think. And really, what is acting if not understanding people and bringing their experiences to life in the most real way possible?
Penn’s focus on research also rubbed off on me in the best way. It has made me the kind of actor who’s always digging deeper—whether it’s researching a character’s background, understanding the story’s historical context, or just observing how people move and interact in everyday life. I’ve learned that the more I know, the more I can bring to my performances.
Beyond the academics, Penn was just such a fun and diverse place. Living on campus with people from all over the world was the perfect way to see and experience different personalities up close. The friends I made, the lessons I learned, and even the places I got to travel to have all shaped who I am today. I really think all those experiences have made me a better actress.
How do you balance the different responsibilities that come with acting and being a passionate activist for political and cultural causes?
I’ve always believed that no matter what path I take, I’ll use the platform and opportunities I’m given to speak up for women’s rights and to help people gain a deeper understanding of Afghanistan’s rich history and culture. This role in Rule Breakers ended up aligning perfectly with that mission, which feels like such a blessing.
But in general, I think that when you’re given an incredible opportunity—whether in acting or any field—you have a responsibility to pay it forward and be a voice for those who don’t have the same platform. While I may not be able to speak for everyone and every cause near and dear to my heart, I do my best to contribute in meaningful ways and advocate for a better, more empathetic world.
Balancing it all definitely isn’t easy, but I’ve found that good time management and a solid support system make all the difference. Without those two things, it can get overwhelming pretty quickly. I’m lucky to have people around me who remind me to stay grounded and focused on what really matters. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance and making sure I’m putting my energy into things that align with my values and passions.
What is one interesting thing people don’t know about you?
One thing people might not know about me is how much I love fitness—especially tae kwon do, kickboxing, and calisthenics. I train about 4-5 times a week because I really want to feel like a fighter straight out of a fantasy novel or a video game.
It takes a lot of hard work and consistency, but I honestly enjoy the process. There’s something so cool about seeing what my body can do and pushing myself to new limits. I know the effort will be worth it, and I’m excited to keep getting stronger every day!
What would your dream acting role be, and who would be your dream cast to work alongside?
Where to begin! There are so many different characters I hope to play – that’s the beauty of the job. My dream acting role would definitely be something action-packed, like playing Lara Croft from Tomb Raider or Dust from X-Men.
I’ve been a fan of Tomb Raider for years and have always admired Lara—she’s strong, intelligent, and adventurous, and bringing her to life would be a dream come true. I’d also love to play Dust because of her cultural background and the chance to explore themes like empowerment, culture, and heroism.
It would be so meaningful to be part of shaping her character and making her feel real and relatable. Plus, it would be amazing to share that experience with my dad, since we’ve always bonded over action films. With my martial arts training, the idea of doing my own stunts and really getting into the physicality of a role like that excites me so much.
I’ve also always dreamed of playing someone real in a biopic. While I’m not sure who yet, the idea of immersing myself in someone’s life, studying their mannerisms, and bringing their story to the screen is something I would love to experience. It would be such a powerful, transformative journey, not to mention highly challenging.
On another note, I’d also love to be in a musical like Phantom of the Opera or The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I cannot express in words how much I love to sing. Singing adds such an emotional layer to storytelling, and combining music with acting would be an incredible 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 project we could all jump on, but they’re all insanely talented and have such a wide range of performances—getting the chance to collaborate with them would be amazing!
What advice would you give to young people looking to get their start in the entertainment industry?
My biggest piece of advice is this: if you truly want something, you will find a way—don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible. There will always be people who doubt you or try to impose their limitations on your dreams, but your passion and persistence can prove them wrong.
When I booked Rule Breakers during my junior year at Penn, I was told there was no way I could balance filming a movie with my studies and still graduate on time. But I did. I studied on set during breaks, reviewed materials in between takes, and used every bit of downtime 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 when you’re determined and resourceful, you can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Another piece of advice is to be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey. Patience is a virtue, although it is definitely one I am still practicing! This industry can be tough, but it’s also full of incredible opportunities to connect, create, and tell meaningful stories. If you love what you’re doing, the hard work will be worth it.
If you had to pick the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could take your career (or business) to the next level. Who would those 3 people be?
First name that popped in my brain -Francine Maisler! She has such an incredible eye for talent and has cast so many amazing projects – Succession and Little Women being some of my favorites – and has such an eye for talent and authentic performances.
Meeting her would be such a cool opportunity to learn more about the industry and pick her brain about what makes a great performance. She has worked with some of the best actors out there, and I’d love to hear her take on what really stands out in an audition and what her favorite project she has cast has been.
Christopher Nolan is another person I’d love to meet and work with. His films are just on a whole other level—Interstellar is one of my all-time favorites, and I can’t wait for The Odyssey. His storytelling is so immersive and thought-provoking, and it would be a dream to be part of one of his projects. I feel like I could learn so much just by being on set with him and watching his creative process.
And lastly, Angelina Jolie. I’ve admired her for so long—not just for her acting, but for who she is as a person. She has been through so much in her life, yet she remains so kind, powerful, and empathetic. I think I could learn a lot from her, not just about acting, but about life in general—how to handle challenges with strength and grace while staying true to yourself.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberafzali/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@amberafzali
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberafzali