Afghan teenager faces dilemma after her rise to cinema stardom

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

KABUL (AFP) — Former beggar Marina Golbahari found sudden stardom for her role in the movie "Osama" but the 13-year-old might not escape the rigorous life of a young veiled and secluded Afghan woman for a career in the movies.

"If it was up to me I would chose the cinema," Marina told AFP last week while shooting her third film in Kabul. "Osama" won a Golden Globe award and Marina was judged best actress at an Indian film festival.

"But my father, my mother and my family will decide about my future, I can't do that myself," the young actress said.

Afghan director Sidiq Barmak spotted her when she was begging in the streets of Kabul and what followed was a meeting which remains unforgettable for both.

Barmak said he was out searching for street boys...