Sonia Nassery Cole

Sonia Nassery Cole is an accomplished Afghan-born American filmmaker, author, and advocate for human rights. Having fled her homeland during the Soviet invasion as a teenager, she established her new life in the United States. At just seventeen, her boldness shone through when she penned a letter to President Ronald Reagan, which resulted in a personal meeting at the White House.

In 2002, Cole took a significant step towards humanitarian efforts by founding the Afghanistan World Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan. Her passion for storytelling and social justice is evident in her work as a filmmaker. She has directed several notable films, including “The Breadwinner,” “The Black Tulip,” and “I Am You.” Notably, “The Black Tulip” was chosen as Afghanistan’s official entry for the Academy Awards, showcasing her commitment to highlighting Afghan stories on a global stage.

Residing in both New York and Beverly Hills, Sonia Nassery Cole continues to use her platform to bring awareness to critical issues and inspire change through her art and activism. Her dedication to her homeland and its people remains a central theme in her work and advocacy.