Born in Afghanistan and raised in Canada, Muska Stanakzai embodies the harmony between two worlds — one rooted in resilience and tradition, and the other in freedom and possibility. Growing up in Canada, Muska recognized her privilege early on and felt a deep sense of responsibility toward her Afghan roots. She has since dedicated her life to bridging cultures, amplifying Afghan voices, and creating understanding between communities.

As a prominent member of the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA), Muska played a pivotal role in curating and promoting South Asian cinema, with a special focus on Afghan films. Her work introduced powerful Afghan stories to Canadian audiences, allowing people to see Afghanistan through art, emotion, and humanity rather than headlines. She also lent her voice to an Afghan film — dubbed in Canada — ensuring that Afghan women were represented as storytellers and creators, not just subjects of struggle. Muska proudly retired from her role at IFFSA in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of cultural representation and creative collaboration.

In 2015, Muska was honored with the Women of Courage Award on International Women’s Day for standing up for herself and other women — advocating for the right to live life on their own terms and to walk away from relationships that are neither good nor safe. This recognition became a defining moment in her journey, reinforcing her lifelong mission to inspire women to choose freedom, dignity, and self-respect above all else.

Over the years, Muska has also been recognized by both the Government of Canada and the Government of Afghanistan, including the Afghan Ministry of Defense, for her dedicated work in serving her people and strengthening the connection between Afghan and Canadian communities. These honors stand as a testament to her unwavering commitment to advocacy, cultural unity, and representation.

Educated in Canada, Muska balanced her professional pursuits with her passion for community work. Her efforts have consistently centered on connecting Afghans across the diaspora and showcasing the beauty, strength, and complexity of Afghan identity.

As an immigrant, Muska often found herself navigating two identities — never fully belonging to one or the other, but ultimately realizing she is the bridge between them. “I am a mixture of two cultures,” she says. “I’ve tried my best to carry the best of both worlds.”

Her story is one of courage, conviction, and compassion — a reminder that empowerment begins with self-determination, and that true belonging is built from the bridges we create between our past and our future.