Amber Afzali, actress, activist and all-round superstar, is only 23 years old and has already achieved so much in so little time.
Proudly loud about her Afghani roots, she is establishing herself as a passionate activist for cultural issues, particularly those we know all too well are affecting Afghan women.
Amber is making waves in Hollywood, starring as one of the leads in the highly-anticipated indie film, Rule Breakers, based on the inspiring true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. Amber plays the role of Esin, one of the team members, alongside an incredible cast which includes the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge (think Bridgerton).
Read our interview with Amber, where she speaks with passion and authenticity as a role model for young women all over the globe.
Cosmo ME: You’re playing one of the leads in Rule Breakers based on the inspiring story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. What made you want to take on this role, and why is it so important for this story to be shared?
Amber Afzali: Rule Breakers was a project I couldn’t pass up. It’s not just a film about Afghanistan—it’s a story about resilience, strength, and empowerment. It showcases the intelligence and determination of Afghan women, which is something that is often overlooked in mainstream narratives. This film is important because it shows a different side of Afghanistan, one that’s vibrant, full of culture, and driven by the ambition of young girls who are determined to succeed. It’s rare to see a movie in Hollywood that focuses on the power of education, especially for girls in regions where they often don’t have access to it. I was drawn to this role because it felt like a chance to be part of a project that could change the perception of Afghanistan and Afghan women, highlighting their potential, which is something that is so crucial right now.
Cosmo ME: As an Afghan woman, you’re super vocal about the issues faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. What got you into activism and how do you balance this alongside your acting career?
Amber Afzali: Activism became a natural extension of my life because I’ve always felt a deep connection to the struggles of Afghan women and refugees. I’m so fortunate to have been born in a time and place that gave me the opportunities I’ve had. My grandparents and parents worked so hard to start fresh in the U.S., and seeing their determination and resilience inspired me to speak out for others who don’t have the same privileges. I feel a deep empathy for refugees, particularly women and children, who are often caught in situations they didn’t choose. Education has played such a huge role in my life, and I believe it’s something every woman deserves, regardless of where she’s born. I think Rule Breakers is the perfect example of how I can combine my activism and love for acting. It wasn’t really a balancing act for me—when a project aligns with my passion for advocating for women and girls, it feels like a seamless fit.
Cosmo ME: You speak a ton of languages including Persian, Spanish, and Arabic! How do your cultural roots shape the way you approach your acting roles and activism?
Amber Afzali: Speaking multiple languages opens up a world of possibilities for me, both in acting and activism. It helps me understand the subtle nuances of different cultures, which is so important when playing diverse roles. Being able to communicate in Dari, Spanish, and Arabic helps me connect with a wider range of characters, each with their own unique mannerisms, emotional depth, and perspectives. Even though I’m not perfect in speaking these languages, I see language learning as a constant evolution, just like we’re always improving our vocabulary in English. Language is an ongoing journey, and I embrace that process. My Dari skills have also been a huge asset in my activism, particularly when helping refugee communities. It’s something I’m grateful for—being able to bridge language barriers and ensure those communities are heard, even when they may feel isolated.
Cosmo ME: You studied Political Science and Psychology. How did these subjects help you to portray your character and do they play a role in your activism?
Amber Afzali: Studying Political Science and Psychology gave me a deeper understanding of human behaviour, societal structures, and the motivations behind people’s actions. Psychology, in particular, helped me understand the emotional depth of my character and the nuances of her behavior. It’s been invaluable in my acting career, helping me to portray characters with more authenticity. I have always had an innate curiosity on why humans behave the way that they do, which psychology dives into and acting allows for the real-life practice of what I have learned. Both subjects play a role in my activism as well, helping me approach issues systematically and with a better understanding of the psychological and political challenges others face.
Cosmo ME: What do you hope young women take away from your work, both on screen and off?
Amber Afzali: I hope young women take away the message that they have the power to shape their own futures, regardless of the obstacles they face. Whether it’s through my roles or my activism, I want to inspire them to believe in their own strength, to trust their voices, and to never let anyone tell them they can’t achieve their dreams. I also believe in the importance of supporting each other. We’re all stronger together, and when we lift each other up, we can accomplish so much more. The message I want to send is that you don’t have to fit into a mould to succeed – you can be your own person, define your own path, and achieve great things in your own way.
Cosmo ME: Gen Z is all about shaking things up and making change! What advice can you give to girls who want to push forward on the issues they care about?
Amber Afzali: The most important advice I can give is to educate yourself and take action. When I was in Greece, I asked an Afghan refugee what we could do to help from the U.S., and he told me that the best thing we could do was to get educated, spread awareness, and build a platform where people would listen. The power to create change comes when you have the right knowledge and when you use your platform to speak up for those who don’t have a voice. Change will come when your voice is loud enough, and your platform tall enough for people to take notice. And remember – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself and make sure you’re in a place where you’re able to help others effectively.
Cosmo ME: Can you tell us about a time when you faced a challenge in your career or activism, and how you overcame it? What advice would you give to young women dealing with similar challenges?
Amber Afzali: A huge challenge for me was switching from thinking I would pursue a career in law to pursuing acting. I felt guilty and anxious about abandoning one dream for another. Was I making the right decision? I struggled to find my place in the industry and to understand how to bring my perspective into my work. But with the support of my team and family, I realised that I don’t have to fit into one box. I can do what I love for as long as I love it. Being an actor on screen means I can represent women who often don’t see themselves reflected in modern media, and that’s just as impactful as a career in law. My advice is to trust your instincts and allow yourself the freedom to evolve. There’s no wrong path. Who knows, maybe I will also pursue law in the future, but for now, I am excited to continue exploring new roles and genres as an actress!
Cosmo ME: The story of the robotics team shows how powerful determination and innovation can be. How do you apply this kind of mindset in your own life and what are your personal hacks for staying determined?
Amber Afzali: Determination and innovation are two things I try to live by every day. For me, it’s about staying focused on what matters and not letting setbacks stop me. I break down big goals into smaller steps so they don’t feel overwhelming, and I remind myself that every little step counts. I also stay grounded by keeping a good balance between my personal life and work, and I make sure to stay curious, constantly learning and adapting. Innovation comes from being open to new ideas, and that’s something I carry with me in everything I do.
Cosmo ME: You’re working with a star-studded cast, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge. What’s been most fun about working alongside your cast mates?
Amber Afzali: Working with such a talented cast has been amazing. We felt like our own little team, traveling together, exploring new places, and experiencing everything the film had to offer. From the chemistry on set to the chemistry off-screen, it all just clicked. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, although the time was brief, was a joy to work with—she’s effortlessly funny, and we even bonded over video games. The camaraderie everyone on set had off-screen made the whole experience so much more special. I feel lucky to have shared this journey with such incredible people
Cosmo ME: Which moment in Rule Breakers had you vibing the most or cracking up behind the scenes?
Amber Afzali: I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s a scene where Esin has a crush (this was written in later on during filming), and the girls and I could not stop laughing. There was this moment when our director, Bill, asked me to be super giddy, smiling from ear to ear, and completely caught up in the idea of a boy. I guess I nailed it because everyone was laughing and smiling for days after that scene! It ended up being a beautiful moment that showed these girls are just like any other—yes, they have crushes, too! But honestly, it was just one of those scenes that made all of us giggle, and it became a fond memory of mine.
Cosmo ME: What’s something you’re really looking forward to in 2025? And how do you like to unwind and take care of yourself when you’re not working?
Amber Afzali: I’m really looking forward to the premiere of Rule Breakers and seeing how audiences respond to the film. It’s such an important story, one that is near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. When I’m not working, I love traveling with family and friends or doing something completely relaxing. It’s so important to find time to restore your energy. Whether it’s training in martial arts or treating myself to a spa day, I make sure to take time for myself so I can stay grounded and energised for everything ahead.
Rule Breakers is out in theatres on 7th March. You can watch the trailer here.
Read this piece about the dark side of influencing.