Symphony of Courage: Afghanistan Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
Symphony of Courage: Afghanistan Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
Dec. 14, 2022 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
Register Here
“Symphony of Courage” tells the story of Farida and Zohra Ahmadi, the last students of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) to be evacuated from the country after the Taliban takeover last year. ANIM’s director Dr. Ahmad Sarmast worked with an international team of philanthropists, politicians, and musicians (including renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma) to facilitate their evacuation. After a brief period in Doha, the group traveled together to Lisbon where they can perform their music in a free and open society. The screening will be introduced by Freedom House’s Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, and His Excellency Francisco Duarte Lopes, Portuguese ambassador to the United States.
After the screening, stay tuned for a panel discussion on Afghan Human Rights featuring:
- Anne Richard, Afghanistan Coordination Lead/Distinguished Fellow, Freedom House
- Farishta Sakhi, Senior Program Manager, Freedom House
- Alexandra Bilreiro, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Portugal
- Beth Mendelson, VOA Executive Producer/ Director of "Symphony of Courage"
- Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, Director, Afghanistan National Institute of Music
Ayesha Tanzeem, South and Central Asia Division Director, Voice of America will deliver closing remarks.
This event is made possible through the generosity of the Mark and Sushma Palmer Legacy Fund, established by Dr. Sushma Palmer in loving memory of her late husband Ambassador Mark Palmer.