Project Fiftyone

Shaken in the aftermath of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, young Muslim New Zealand couple Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi chose to respond to hate with hope. In remembrance of the 51 lives lost during the terrorist attack, the pair set out to fund 51 micro-businesses in their home country of Afghanistan, a nation whose people have endured decades of war. Project Fiftyone follows their journey over three months in Kabul, capturing the challenges and impact of their humanitarian mission. The documentary was directed by Gaylene Barnes (River of Freedom) alongside first-time filmmakers Shah and Afrasyabi.

I refuse to accept that someone's hate can define a nation.

– Bariz Shah on his response to the March 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks

Key Cast & Crew

Mark Lapwood

Cinematographer

Saba Afrasyabi

Co-Director, Co-Director

Gaylene Barnes

Director, Writer

Bariz Shah

Co-Director, Co-Producer

Virginia Wright

Producer, Writer

Emma Smart

Editor