Amber Afzali is making waves in Hollywood with her breakout role as Esin in Rule Breakers. The film tells the inspiring story of Afghan girls defying expectations and breaking barriers in STEM, and Amber delivers a powerful performance that is both heartfelt and empowering. In an exclusive interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, she shared her journey into acting, the challenges of playing Esin, and the impact she hopes the film will have on audiences.
From Political Science to Acting: A Surprising Journey
Amber's road to acting wasn’t conventional. Initially pursuing a dual degree in political science and psychology, she had ambitions of working in policy or law.
"I actually loved acting when I was really little," she shared. "My parents put me in it to help me break out of my shell, and I fell in love with it. But as I got older, school became my focus, and I put acting on the back burner."
It wasn’t until the pandemic that Amber found herself craving a creative outlet again.
"I had a lot of time to reflect, and I felt like something was missing. That’s when I decided to give acting another shot," she explained. "I started taking classes, and before I knew it, I booked Rule Breakers. It all happened so fast, and I just knew I was meant to be here."
Stepping into Rule Breakers
Rule Breakers follows a group of Afghan girls fighting for their place in STEM, and Amber plays Esin, one of the key members of the team.
"I actually auditioned for both Esin and another character, Tara," she revealed. "Esin is such an interesting character—she’s passionate, driven, and determined to prove herself in a world that constantly underestimates her."
Amber was drawn to Esin’s internal conflict and resilience.
"I really focused on portraying her as someone who has fire inside her, but also carries the weight of societal expectations," she said. "She’s bold, but she also has these quiet moments of doubt. That’s what made her so real to me."
Filming Powerful Moments
One of Esin’s most significant moments in the film comes when she finally stands up for herself and her dreams.
"There’s a scene where Esin has to face her biggest fear—speaking out against those who doubt her," Amber recalled. "Filming that was so emotional because you could feel the weight of what she was doing. It’s a moment of pure courage."
Another favorite scene of hers was the dance sequence with the girls.
"It was such a fun and lighthearted moment," she said. "It really humanizes these girls. They’re not just struggling—they’re laughing, dancing, and finding joy despite everything."
She also loved Esin’s moment of defiance, where she delivers a powerful speech about women’s rights and personal freedom.
"That scene was intense," Amber admitted. "You could feel how much it meant, not just to Esin, but to so many women watching. It’s about reclaiming your voice, and that’s something that really resonated with me."
The Impact of Rule Breakers
Amber hopes the film will inspire young women, especially in male-dominated fields like STEM.
"I want girls to see this and think, ‘I can do that too,’" she said. "Representation matters, and seeing Afghan girls portrayed as strong, intelligent, and capable is so important."
She also wants audiences to change their perception of Afghanistan.
"A lot of what people know about Afghanistan comes from war and news headlines," she explained. "But this film shows a different side. It shows resilience, dreams, and the fight for a better future."
Lessons from Her First Major Role
Being part of Rule Breakers was a learning experience, and Amber walked away with a newfound appreciation for storytelling.
"I learned that being an actor means fully committing to the role," she said. "You have to trust the process, even when you don’t see the full picture. Every person on set—costume designers, directors, camera crew—they all bring something valuable, and you have to focus on your piece of the puzzle."
She also gained a new sense of confidence.
"Esin’s journey taught me that finding your voice is a process," she shared. "It’s not always easy, but when you have the right support system, you can step into your power."
What’s Next for Amber Afzali?
While she couldn’t reveal too much, Amber hinted at exciting projects on the horizon.
"I have some things in the works, but right now, I’m focused on seeing how Rule Breakers resonates with audiences," she teased. "It’s been amazing to hear the reactions, and I’m just soaking it all in."
She also has big dreams for future roles, listing biopics, action films, and musicals as genres she hopes to explore.
"I’d love to do a biopic—really dive into a real person’s life and bring them to the screen," she said. "And I think action films would be so fun. I want to do my own stunts!"
Where to Follow Amber Afzali
For fans who want to keep up with Amber’s journey, she’s active on Instagram (@AmberAfzali).
"I post behind-the-scenes moments, updates, and all the fun stuff from this experience," she said. "It’s been amazing to connect with people who are inspired by the film."
With Rule Breakers breaking records and leaving an impact, Amber Afzali’s career is just beginning. Whether she’s inspiring young women through film or exploring new creative challenges, one thing is clear—she’s here to stay.