Afia Nathaniel facts for kids

Afia Serena Nathaniel (born in 1974) is a talented Pakistani filmmaker. She is known for her work as a writer, director, producer, and editor. Afia studied film at the Columbia University School of the Arts in 2006.

About Afia Nathaniel

Her Early Life

Afia Nathaniel was born in Quetta, Pakistan. She is the oldest of three sisters. Her father was in the army, and her mother was an English professor. Afia grew up and went to school in Lahore.

Education Journey

Afia finished her Senior Cambridge exams at Convent of Jesus and Mary in Lahore. She then went to Kinnaird College from 1991 to 1994. She earned a BSc degree, focusing on Mathematics and Physics.

While in college, Afia loved debating, writing poetry, and acting. Her fellow students at Kinnaird chose her to be the President of the Science Club. In 1994, she received the special Mangat Rai Gold Medal. This award was for her amazing school grades and all her extra activities.

In August 1994, Afia started studying Computer Science at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). She graduated from LUMS in 1997.

In 2001, Columbia University offered Afia a special scholarship called a Dean's fellowship. This allowed her to join their MFA Film program. Her short films won many awards. These films helped start a new wave of independent cinema in Pakistan.

Starting Her Career

Pakistan did not have many film schools when Afia finished LUMS. So, she started working in advertising at Publicis Pakistan. She quickly became the head of the Creative Department there.

In 1999, Afia left Pakistan to work with the World YWCA. This is an international group that helps women. It is based in Geneva, Switzerland. From 1999 to 2001, she attended the UN Commission on Human Rights. She worked with women in over 100 countries. Her work focused on peace, justice, health, human rights, and the environment. Afia was also the Communications Manager for a special fundraising effort for the World YWCA.

Making Films

In 2008, Afia started her own film company in Pakistan called Zambeel Films. This company makes independent films for people all over the world. Afia is also a member of Film Fatales, a group for independent women filmmakers.

• Dukhtar (2014)

Personal Life

Afia currently lives in New York City. She teaches in the visual arts department at Princeton University. She lives with her husband and daughter.

Awards and Recognition

Afia Nathaniel has won many awards for her films and her studies.

Film Awards and Honors

• 2015 Best Film Director – Dukhtar
• 2010 NYFA Geri Ashur Screenwriting Award
• 2006 Milos Forman Finishing Fund
• 2006 Hollywood Foreign Press Association Grant
• 2005 IFP Market Screenplay Award
• 2005 Ezra Litwak Award for Distinction in Screenwriting at the Columbia University Film School Student Film Festival
• 2005 HBO Development Award
• 2005 Finalist, Tribeca Connect, New York
• 2003 Nadah, Nominee Golden Reel Award, VC Filmfest

Academic Awards and Fellowships

• 2004-6 World Studio Foundation Fellow
• 2003-4 AAUW International Fellow
• 2003-4 MMMF (James Wolfensohn) Fellow, World Bank
• 2003-4 WIL Fellow, International House, New York
• 2001-3 Dean's Fellow, School of Arts, Columbia University, New York
• 1994 Mangat Rai Gold Medal, Kinnaird College, Lahore, Pakistan

Films at Festivals

Afia Nathaniel's films have been shown at many film festivals around the world.

• Nadah (Short Film) – Afia was the Director, Producer, and Editor.
  • International Film Festival Rotterdam, 2003 (World Premiere)
  • Reel-World Film Festival, Toronto, 2003 (Canadian Premiere)
  • 19th VC FilmFest, Los Angeles, 2003 (Nominee Golden Reel Award)
  • Commonwealth International Film Festival 2003 (UK Premiere)
  • 3rd KaraFilmFestival, 2003, Karachi, Pakistan (Pakistan Premiere)

• Toba Tek Singh (Short Film) – Afia was the Writer, Director, Producer, Editor, and Executive Producer.
  • New York Asian American International film festival 2005 (World Premiere)
  • VC FilmFest 2006, Los Angeles, US (American Premiere)

• Long After... (Muntazir) (Short Film) – Afia was the Writer, Director, Producer, Editor, and Executive Producer.
  • Montreal World Cinema Film Festival 2007
  • ReelWorld Film Festival, Toronto, 2008
  • Asian American International Film Festival, New York, 2008

• Butterfly (Short Film) – Afia was the Writer.
  • Asia-Expo film festival, Lyon France (Winner Audience Choice Award)
  • Napa Valley Wine Country Film Fest (Winner Best International Short Film)
  • Black Maria Film Festival 2003 (Winner Honourable Mention)
  • Ivy Film Festival 2003 (Winner best graduate student film)
  • 19th VC Film Fest, LA, 2003 (Nominee Golden Reel Award)
  • San Francisco International Film Festival 2003
  • Mumbai International Film Festival, 2003
  • Palm Springs Short Film Festival, 2003

Awards and Nominations