Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make
I am an actor, writer, and director based in Ryde. I speak Kurdish, Persian, and Turkish. I started acting in 2009 and have received training at NIDA, Australia Institute of Music (AIM), and several other workshops. I work in both screen and theatre acting. I will be performing in 12 Angry Juniors at Point Break Drama in late March and early April. I have also just been cast in a lead mother role in the upcoming short film Proverbs 22:6.
I began my writing career with poetry and expanded to scripts and a novel I am currently working on. I like writing about true stories and events, mainly focusing on cultural stories about people's hardships, struggles, refugees, and mental health. My first play, written and directed by myself in 2017, was about a Kurdish woman trying to escape ISIS and surviving rape. My most recent play, Halima, which is in the early stages of production, will be staged later in 2025. It is about a woman torn between following her culture, traditions, and family rules or pursuing her passion for acting and finding love herself.
I have also recently produced and directed a 30-minute short film called The Effect, which addresses the root causes of domestic violence, men's mental health, and generational trauma. This film is now towards the end of production and is set to be screened in March. It will be entered into festivals later this year.
Whereabouts do you look for creative ideas?
My creative ideas are from the hardships and personal stories I encounter, including those I learn about through my work as a psychologist. Hearing about how trauma affects mental health deeply influences my storytelling. I aim to tell stories that are raw and real, stories that not only move people but also educate and raise awareness, helping to foster a safer and more understanding society.
Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from my father, who passed away many years ago, and recently, my best friend Simon Elrahi, whom I loved dearly. My failures and the rejections I face also inspire me; the more I hear 'no,' the more determined I become to prove that I can succeed. My passion for writing and storytelling is a constant source of motivation. Living in Australia has presented challenges in fitting into the roles and places I've dreamed of. Feeling like the odd one out has spurred me to make changes, to ease the path for others who experience what I felt being from a different culture. I believe change starts with one person and then spreads, creating a space for all of us who felt we don't belong.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
As a Sorani Kurdish woman, I often feel isolated within Australia's creative industry, which seems to lack a visible Kurdish presence. Despite attending many different cultural film festivals, I have yet to find one that focuses on Kurdish stories or features a Sorani Kurd filmmaker with whom I could collaborate to share our culture's narratives. The loss of my father and my best friend Simon, along with my general life experiences, have profoundly shaped my emotional and creative reservoir. Life's struggles and experiences teach us to grow, and I incorporate these lessons into my storytelling to enhance its authenticity and depth.
What is a creative project that you've worked on that you're really proud of? Why?
One of the creative projects I'm most proud of is my small role in Three Thousand Years of Longing, directed by George Miller. It was one of the most surreal experiences of my career. I'm a big fan of George Miller, and it still amazes me how fortunate I was to work alongside him, especially given the many talented actors there, whose work I had admired from afar. Working with Tilda Swinton was particularly inspiring; she is incredibly down-to-earth. It was both an honor and a pleasure to collaborate with such talented individuals.
What's your favourite part of working as an artist / creative?
My favourite part of working as an artist is collaborating and meeting other creatives, which is always insightful. Seeing a project evolve from its raw beginnings to completion is incredibly rewarding. Observing how a story comes to life from a script is an amazing process. After working with my Director of Photography, Amir Kamrani, I've realized how much effort goes into a project. Amir opened my eyes to the entire process, whether it was editing, lighting, sound, music, colouring, costumes, or location. Watching the finished project on screen is an exhilarating feeling. I also love being on stage, performing for a live audience, and feeling the energy of the room.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
Don't view a 'no' as a reflection of your failure or the quality of your work. There are numerous reasons you might not land a job, and often, it has nothing to do with your acting skills. Sometimes, you just aren't the character they are looking for; a writer usually has a specific vision in mind when they create a story, and part of bringing that story to life is finding the perfect match for their characters.
To thrive in this industry, immerse yourself in learning: read books, watch films, and collaborate with others. Create your own work and gain practical experience. Stay healthy—take classes, have fun, and don't be too harsh on yourself. Look after your mental and physical health; don't let the demands of acting overwhelm you. Find ways to stay resilient and keep pushing forward. Remember, this industry is challenging, but with a genuine passion for storytelling—and not just a desire for fame—you can achieve great things.
Lastly, it's important to have a stable income, as you won't always have acting jobs. Make sure to secure a job to pay your bills while pursuing your creative ambitions.
