Amber Afzali on Rule Breakers: A Dream Role Inspired by the Real-Life Afghan Dreamers

Amber Afzali makes one of the most memorable debuts of the year, delivering a performance marked by emotional depth and quiet power. In Rule Breakers, she brings a sense of authenticity that’s rooted not only in her craft, but in a profound connection to the Afghan Dreamers—young women whose courage and ambition defied the odds. For Amber, stepping into this role wasn’t just an artistic milestone—it was the realization of a dream that echoed the very spirit of the girls she was portraying.

Set in a country where educating girls is considered an act of rebellion, Rule Breakers follows a visionary teacher and her students whose innovation draws global attention. But as their voices grow louder, so do the threats surrounding them. What begins as a fight for opportunity becomes a powerful portrait of resistance, sacrifice, and unity—shining a light on the real-life Dreamers and the movement they sparked.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Amber to discuss her experience bringing Esin to life, navigating the emotional weight of her debut, and honoring a legacy that feels both timely and intimate. She reflects on the parallels between her own path and that of the Dreamers, the collaborative spirit on set, and how this film has shaped not just the actor she’s becoming—but the voices she hopes to elevate.

PC: You and your family were already familiar with the Afghan Dreamers—was that what initially drew you to this project, and did you feel a different kind of weight or responsibility in bringing their story to life?
Amber: Yes, my family and I had heard about the Afghan Dreamers long before Rule Breakers, and we were incredibly proud of everything they had accomplished. When I first learned that a film about their story was being made, I was beyond excited—especially because this wasn’t just a story about Afghanistan’s struggles and tragedies, but about the incredible strength and potential of Afghan women.

Taking on the role of Esin felt like a deep personal responsibility. I wanted to ensure the story was told authentically—not just as an actor, but as someone who understands the weight of representing my culture. It felt important to honor the girls’ real-life journey and to show the world the resilience of Afghan women in a way that hasn’t been done before.

PC: You brought so much nuance and depth to the role of Esin, and her journey of finding her voice feels incredibly universal. How did you prepare to step into her shoes, and how did you create space for yourself to navigate that emotional arc?
Amber: Esin’s journey of finding her voice really resonated with me because it mirrored my own path in many ways. I’ve always wrestled with fear before stepping into new challenges—whether it’s acting or public speaking. To prepare, I focused on connecting with Esin’s internal struggle—her fear of speaking up, her hesitation, and how she gradually builds confidence. I drew from my own experiences of overcoming self-doubt and embraced the idea that fear can be transformed into adrenaline and used as fuel for growth. I created space for myself by allowing the character to be vulnerable and real. To bring Esin’s journey to life, I knew I had to fully connect with my culture and the girls on the team, which I did through watching interviews, reading articles, and having conversations with my family.

PC: There are so many incredible women both in front of and behind the camera on this project. How did being in that environment—and the sense of comfort and trust it created—empower you to take more risks in your performance?
Amber: It was incredibly empowering to be surrounded by such a talented group of women, both in the cast and crew. From day one, the environment felt supportive and safe, which gave me the freedom to take risks in my performance. I felt backed by strong, creative women and an incredible, curious, and supportive director. Bill encouraged us to explore different takes and interpretations, and my castmates made me feel comfortable and uplifted. There was a real sense of camaraderie that made the process feel deeply collaborative—and that trust brought out the best in me as an actor.

PC: There’s such fantastic chemistry across the board—it really feels like each cast member was lifting one another up. How did you build that bond off set so it naturally translated on screen?
Amber: Building chemistry off set was one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. We genuinely connected during our time in Morocco and Hungary, and that sense of camaraderie really came through on screen. Whether it was late-night conversations, exploring the cities together, or just laughing between takes, we built a bond that felt incredibly real. That trust made all the difference—it turned the process into a shared journey. The chemistry you see in the film is 100% authentic, and I feel truly blessed to be able to say that.

PC: This was your very first audition and role—congratulations, by the way! What was the most surprising part of the entire experience? And what did you learn about your craft that you’ll carry with you into your next project?
Amber: Thank you so much! It’s definitely been a wild ride and an absolute dream come true. The most surprising part was how quickly everything moved once I booked the role—it was a whirlwind of excitement, preparation, and growth. I learned so much throughout the process, especially about the importance of leaning on the actors around you and not being afraid to show vulnerability. Acting isn’t just about memorizing lines; it’s about emotionally connecting to the story, building trust with your cast, and giving yourself the space to be fully present. I also realized how powerful the eyes can be in conveying emotion and vulnerability. That sense of emotional honesty and openness is something I’ll carry with me into every project moving forward.

PC: This feels like such a breakout moment for you. As you look ahead, is there a dream role or character you’ve always wanted to bring to life?
Amber: There are so many roles I’d love to explore, but I think a dream role 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, and I’d love the opportunity to portray someone with that kind of layered strength and vulnerability. I also think it would be incredible to try my hand at doing my own stunts. Beyond that, I’m really excited about diving into genres I haven’t explored yet, whether it’s action, drama, or even a musical. One of the most exciting parts of acting is getting to embody such a wide range of characters, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

To keep up with Amber, follow her on Instagram. Learn more about Rule Breakers on Angel Studios.

Photo Credit: Birdie Thompson at Bird’s Eye Photography // Hair: Mika Fowler // Makeup: Anton Khachaturian