Afghan Biographies

Golbahari, Marina


Name Golbahari, Marina
Ethnic backgr. Pashtun
Date of birth 1989
Function/Grade Afghan Actress
History and Biodata

3.Biodata
golbahari_marinaMarina Golbahari was born March 10, 1989 in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is an Afghan actress known for her role as the main character in the movie "Osama" (directed by Siddiq Barmak). "Osama" won the prestigious Golden Globe award for best foreign film at a ceremony in California, USA in January 2004. Golbahari's role in the movie was well received by many critics. Golbahari was working on the streets of Kabul as a beggar, when she was discovered by Barmak, who cast her in his movie. "Osama" is the story of a young girl during the oppressive rule of the Taliban who is forced to dress like a boy named Osama in order to provide for her mother and grandmother. During the Taliban, women were forbidden to work or even leave the house without a "legal companion".

Marina Golbahari has been forced to seek asylum in France after receiving death threats from the hardliners in Afghanistan for her role as an actress. The death threats against Golbahari reportedly intensified after appearing in a film festival in South Korea where she was pictured with head uncovered, drawing the attention of the hardliners.

Golbahari arrived in France for a film festival mid November 2015 and could not return to Afghanistan as threats against her and her husband grew further. Golbahari’s husband Noorullah Azizi said “We never thought of staying. We hardly packed anything.”

 

Last Modified 2016-05-05
Established 2009-10-09