Amber Afzali will star as one of the leads in the highly-anticipated Angel Studios indie film Rule Breakers, based on the inspiring true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. She plays one of the team members, Esin, alongside an incredible ensemble cast which includes the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Photographer: Birdie Thompson at Bird’s Eye Photography @birds_eye_photo
Hair: Mika Fowler @mikahairstylist
Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup
1. Hello Amber and welcome to OLC! You star in the upcoming film Rule Breakers which I absolutely loved, it tells such an inspiring true story. What initially drew you to the role of Esin, and how did you prepare for it?
Thank you so much! What really drew me to Esin was her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She’s an Afghan girl finding her voice and defying expectations, which is something I can really relate to. I was ultimately drawn to this story because it humanizes Afghan girls on the screen, which is not common in this Western media. To prepare, I immersed myself in the story of the Afghan Dreamers by watching documentaries and videos of the girls, reading up and watching clips of First Robotics, and working closely with dialect coaches to make sure I could authentically portray the character. I also drew a lot from my personal experiences of overcoming fear and finding my own voice, which I connected with Esin’s growth throughout the film.
2. The film highlights resilience and determination. Were there any scenes that resonated with you on a personal level?
Yes, definitely. There’s a scene where Esin has to overcome her own self-doubt and step up in a moment of need by using her voice. I’ve had those moments myself, whether it’s on stage or in life, where the nerves are overwhelming, but you have to push through. It reminded me of how important it is to turn that fear into strength and use the adrenaline to give it your all. It also showed me how beautiful it is to have women supporting you in those moments of fear, encouraging you and celebrating your talents. It was a powerful moment for me both as an actor and on a personal level.
3. Given your Afghan heritage, did this role feel particularly meaningful to you? If so, in what ways?
It absolutely did. As an Afghan woman, this role felt like a gift. Growing up, I didn’t see many stories that represented me or my culture in a way that felt real, especially about Afghan women. This role allowed me to bring something meaningful to the screen and showcase a side of Afghan women that is strong, intelligent, and multi-faceted, rather than the usual narratives of suffering. It’s a chance to change the narrative and give visibility to something beautiful and powerful within my culture. I wanted to make my family and my community proud, as well as Roya and the girls, so it has been a huge weight off my shoulders to see all of the positive feedback from the film.
4. The robotics team’s story is one of triumph despite immense challenges. What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
I hope audiences walk away feeling inspired and empowered. The girls in Rule Breakers face enormous challenges, yet they don’t give up on their dreams, and that’s something everyone can relate to. I also hope people walk away with a new perspective on Afghanistan—one that shows how vibrant and resilient the people there are, especially the women. It’s a reminder that no matter the odds, we can all make a difference, even in the toughest of circumstances.
5. Were there any behind-the-scenes moments that stand out to you as particularly special or memorable?
The wrap parties in both Morocco and Budapest stand out as truly special moments. They were a beautiful celebration of all the hard work we’d put into making Rule Breakers. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to some cast and crew members who had become like family. We spent those last moments together laughing, singing, and reminiscing about all our adventures. The chemistry on set was undeniable, and knowing I wouldn’t see some of those people every day anymore was a little sad. But I’m so grateful to have met such incredible people and had the chance to explore new places and create something special together. It was truly a beautiful time with even more beautiful humans.
6. As the daughter of Afghan immigrants, how has your background influenced your perspective as an actress and activist?
My background has given me a strong sense of identity and purpose. Growing up in an immigrant family, I saw firsthand the struggles and sacrifices my parents made to give us a better life. That understanding of resilience is something I bring into both my acting and activism. As an actress, it’s an honor to be able to tell stories that reflect the strength and complexity of my community. As an activist, I’m driven to advocate for causes that uplift Afghan women and other marginalized groups who deserve more visibility and respect.
7. You speak several languages, including Dari and Persian. Did that skill play a role in your performance in Rule Breakers?
Definitely! Speaking Dari was incredibly helpful in connecting with Esin’s character. It allowed me to understand the cultural context better and gave me a deeper emotional connection to her story. The ability to speak the language and understand the cultural nuances helped me portray Esin in a more authentic way. Language really bridges a lot of gaps, and for me, it was essential in bringing the character and story to life. I also felt incredibly grateful that I could bring a taste of the beautiful language into one small scene in the film, where Esin is praying. It was a conscious decision to pray in Dari instead of Arabic because she is simply talking to God as a teenager does and doesn’t know exactly what to say, so she resorts to her native language.
8. You’re deeply passionate about advocating for Afghan women. How do you use your platform to bring awareness to these issues?
I try to use my platform to amplify the voices of Afghan women and raise awareness about the issues they face. Whether it’s through sharing stories, supporting organizations that help women in need, or simply using my social media to highlight the strength and resilience of Afghan women, I want to create space for these stories to be heard. I also try to challenge stereotypes about Afghan women, showing the world that we are more than the narratives we’ve been given.
9. You hold dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology from UPenn. How do you think your academic background shapes the way you approach acting and storytelling?
My background in Political Science and Psychology has given me a strong foundation in understanding people and the systems they operate within. Political Science helps me see the broader societal and cultural contexts of the characters I play, while Psychology allows me to delve deeper into their emotional layers. It has made me a more empathetic actor, helping me understand not just what characters do, but why they do it. Those insights are invaluable when I’m working to create a more authentic and multi-dimensional portrayal.
10. What kinds of stories do you feel are still missing from Hollywood, especially regarding Afghan and Middle Eastern representation?
There’s still a big gap in the kinds of stories told about Afghan and Middle Eastern people in Hollywood. Too often, the narratives focus on conflict, violence, or tragedy, but there’s so much more to our stories. We need films that showcase the beauty, resilience, and complexity of these cultures—stories that represent us as multifaceted people with dreams, flaws, strengths, and weaknesses. I think the missing stories are the ones that show us as real people, living ordinary lives, just like anyone else. I also feel that we need Afghan and Middle Eastern representation in the major films and TV shows, where there is no specific mention of their background and no deeper meaning to their involvement. They are just assuming the role of that character and no one bats an eye. That, I think, would be true progress in terms of representation within Hollywood.
11. Do you see yourself taking on more roles that align with your activism, or are there other genres you’d love to explore?
I would love to continue taking on roles that align with my activism, especially those that bring attention to social issues I care about. But I’m also excited to explore different genres and roles that challenge me as an actor. I’m really passionate about the chance to dive into action, drama, and even comedy. I don’t want to limit myself to one type of story or character—I want to keep pushing boundaries and expanding the range of roles I play.
12. What’s a dream role or collaboration you’d love to take on in the future?
A dream role for me would be something that blends action with emotional depth, like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider or Dust from X-Men. Both characters are strong and complex female leads, which I’d love to explore. It would be cool to dive into a project where I can combine physical strength like stunt work with emotional vulnerability. I’d also love to collaborate with directors like Christopher Nolan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Jon M. Chu who create films that are both visually stunning and emotionally compelling.
13. Outside of acting and advocacy, what are some passions or hobbies that people might not know about you?
I’m really into martial arts right now, especially taekwondo and kickboxing. It’s something I’ve been practicing more as an adult and it keeps me grounded. I also love singing, especially musical theater numbers. Spending time with my family, going on spontaneous trips, and playing with my dog are also things I really enjoy. I find that staying active and having a good balance between work and relaxation helps me stay energized and focused.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
