Tarique Qayumi

A master of nuanced storytelling, Tarique Qayumi was born in 1978 in Kabul, Afghanistan, and has been active in the film industry since 2004. Primarily working within the genres of drama and war, Qayumi's most notable work includes "Black Kite" (2017), a deeply affecting tale of a kite maker in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, which garnered the Grand Jury Prize at the Heartland International Film Festival. His directorial style is characterized by a profound understanding of human resilience and a keen eye for cultural authenticity, often shedding light on the stark realities of life in his war-torn homeland. On a personal note, Qayumi's courage and commitment to telling the stories of his people, despite the inherent dangers, is nothing short of inspirational.