This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that many of my friends and colleagues from Afghanistan remain unhurt, if not entirely safe from harm or hardship.

I am also thankful for the many tens of thousands of Americans unknown to myself, who have over the past months welcomed Afghans fleeing hardship, persecution, and violence, into their homes and communities.

In the wake of the Taliban banning Afghan women from appearing in Afghan drama shows, I would like to invite my friends and colleagues to a special worldwide virtual screening of SHEREEN, helmed by my friend and colleague Leena Alam.

https://www.fanforcetv.com/programs/shereen-25nov

Shot entirely in Kabul in 2015 this feature film – which also acted as a drama series pilot – launched what would become the most successful show ever seen on Afghan screens.

With many of the team who created Shereen still stranded in Kabul and now under Taliban Rule, this story has become more poignant than ever.

With ticket prices costing a modest 5 USD, all proceeds from the screenings of Shereen go to its cast and crew and other Afghan filmmakers now in hiding in Afghanistan.

The film is screened with their permission, despite the enormous risk. The SHIREEN team hopes it assists secure their safe passage out of the country.

This year, was easily the challenging year so far in my 40 years of life.

And I know it was nothing in comparison to the year Rodly Ricafort faced following her Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis.

https://gofund.me/0b29e14a

Upon learning of her diagnosis, I began working with Marie to ensure she had the financial support she needed to get her the best care we could afford.

I began a GoFundMe, and donated half of my paycheck privately to a medical fund to support her treatment.

Now, I am proud to share that Rodly has taken over her GoFundMe and has the power to tell the story of her path to recovery in her own words.

I am so proud of Little Rodly, for everything she has accomplished and will accomplish despite the great challenges she’s always faced.

Now that she has taken over the reins of her GoFundMe, I plan to share her GoFundMe with a handful of select friends and family, to see what support there may be out there for her.

In her own words:

“Hello, Rodly Anne here, it’s a miracle that I made it this far and was able to afford the medical expenses and treatment with the money you all donated from the first GoFundMe. So grateful for everyone and blessed to you with my journey.

But the battle is still not over. I still have breast cancer (stage 2B). I completed the 12 sessions of chemotherapy and am happy that I surpassed it. For now, I’m undergoing oral chemotherapy.”

If you can give, please give, if you cannot give, please simply pass her story along. Thank you. <3

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Little Rodly has been battling breast cancer with a courage and strength that humbles and moves me.

We’re all with you Little Rodly, you made it this far, and you’ll keep going with our love, support and cheers. <3

If any of you wish to support Rodly on her journey, I am still managing her GoFundMe here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rodly-ricafort-fight-breast-cancer

When I made this film, many years ago, it was my hope that it would always represent the dawn of a new start for the Afghan people.

I am sorry that the sun has set on all the hope and promise this film had, for the people of Afghanistan.

And like any flower that blooms and eventually fades, I am thankful that I was there to witness the start of something beautiful, and fleeting.

Afghanistan After

A small film from earlier in my career, but easily one of my forever favorites. Thankful to everyone that helped make this one possible Diego S. Maranan, Aida Fulleros Santos, Rolando F. Santos, Sol Galang, Marlot Xyrell Chocs Caduyac <3

Syrian father Munzir al-Nazzal injured in a bombing, lifting his 5-year-old son, Mustafa, who was born without limbs.

Photo by Turkish photographer Mehmet Aslan.