How Buzkashi Boys Go from Kabul to Oscars
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short, “Buzkashi Boys” is the story of two best friends who realize their dreams while playing Afghanistan’s version of polo in one of the most war-torn countries in the world.
With the nomination, the film’s teenage star, Fawad Mohammadi, became eligible for a ticket to the awards but his co-star Jawanmardi Piaz did not.
What followed was a social fundraising campaign on Rally.org (https://rally.org/buzkashiboys) which quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon. The goal was to raise $10,000 to get both stars to Los Angeles and that money was raised in just over a week.
[ Also Read: Crowdfunded Film FrackNation Ready for Release ]This story caught the attention of executives at Turkish Airlines’ Los Angeles office who immediately sought to help.
“I was both impressed and moved with the determination that these two boys possessed in the hopes of attending the Oscars to represent their film,” said Fatma Yuceler, Turkish Airlines general manager, Western U.S.A.
“At the time of our involvement, they had already come close to reaching their ten-thousand dollar goal. Our ticket donations will allow them to set aside the funds that they already raised and put them into a college fund for Mohammadi. We are proud that we could be a part of making their dream a reality.”
[ Also Read: Blockbuster Casts Melissa Rivers for Academy Awards ]According to Turkish Airlines, it has donated two tickets in addition to a third for an adult chaperone. This trip is the first out of the country for Fawad.
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five airplanes, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 207 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 219 cities around the world, comprised of 36 domestic and 183 international destinations.
The 85th Academy Awards ceremony from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will present its annual awards to best films of 2012 in the United States. The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 24 in Los Angeles, California.
In the picture above: Fawad Mohammadi and Jawanmardi Piaz of Buzkashi Boys before boarding a Turkish Airlines flight in Kabul, Afghanistan
