Director/Producer: Sam Javadi

Description:

The film follows the extraordinary journey of Mahwash, Afghanistan’s pioneering female singer, whose voice transcends borders, exile and political turmoil. Encouraged by her devoted husband, Farooq, she rises to fame despite cultural barriers, only to face severe backlash when her identity is revealed. As she dreams of a final concert in her homeland, the Taliban’s rise shatters her hopes, banning music and silencing artists. Yet, Mahwash refuses to be silenced. Through intimate performances and Farooq’s unwavering support, she keeps her melodies alive. Honored in Washington, DC, she delivers a powerful final performance–a tribute to her homeland, an act of resistance and a testament to music’s enduring power. Her voice, once exiled, becomes immortal. 

Biography:

Sam Javadi is an accomplished director, cinematographer and composer. He has directed and written over fifteen stage productions and ten short films, including Shedding Skin, an experimental dance short film and Impasse. As a cinematographer, Javadi contributed to documentaries and TV series such as After the Curtain, which premiered at Lincoln Center, and Bahram Beyzaie: A Mosaic of Metaphors. His musical talents earned him the IATC Award in the Music Section for Fairy Talking of Stone and Love. Dedicated to mentoring aspiring filmmakers, Javadi has conducted workshops in Iran, the United States and Tajikistan. 

Contact Information:

e: mahwashdocumentary@gmail.com   
w: mahwashdoc.com