From bank-teller to VP from Mujahadeen to American hero

Along with my partners Edreece Arghandawal CEO of Jurni an app he started with the help of the ex-CTO of Yahoo, and Kyle Wright who was involved in the financing and development of Mooz-Lum we’ve embarked on a journey to bring authentic and inspiring stories to the silver screen. Stories define us and films can be part of that narrative.Pursuit Of Happyness was deeply inspiring to me when I saw it and to this day think back to scenes almost as if they exist as part of my human experience but in a way what I took away from it did become a part of me and that’s the effect we want to have on audiences.
Our mission is to be the catalyst for change for dialogue for understanding. Through film we will bring the award winning memoir Lost Decency: The Untold Afghan Story to life to forever live in the lexicon of deeply impactful films. Just how “Pursuit of Happiness” impacted me, our fervor for impact art and film is what will define our work.
In Lost Decency:The Untold Afghan Story, Atta Arghandiwal shares the Afghan people’s untold story, embodied in his turbulent journey to escape their war-torn country for a better life in the US while following his brother Zia’s journey in defending his country fighting against the Soviets and the Taliban.

Atta and Zia Arghandiwal grew up in an Afghanistan unrecognizable to most, Upon the Soviet invasion on December 25, 1979 everything changed. Atta and Zia began their journey on two divergent paths. Atta amid chaos raining down on Kabul barely escapes with his altered passport and appearance. Zia decides to stay, as a refugee Atta flees to Germany and then the US in the Bay Area in California where he immediately starts to look for a job walking for so long and so often on the search that he gets blisters.He eventually lands a job as a bank teller and slowly brings family members over to the US one by one while going on to become VP of the bank.
Zia stayed to fight with the Mujahadeen and work with the US and CIA to fight the Soviets. After defeating them and fighting in the civil war a sect of the Mujahadeen turned into the Taliban this changed everything for Zia. While taking a break visiting his family after years of fighting the 9/11 attack devastated America and Zia jumped into action to leave and fight the Taliban until they were defeated. Zia unfortunately later passed due to complications with cancer.
Our goal is to use this story as a vessel for change, tell the story that is not about race or religion but about both tragedy and triumph. Films especially visually compelling films with authentic and complex story lines stick with audiences when they leave the theater whether it’s conscious or subconscious. America is founded on the values that all men are equal this story embodies the American dream and a perspective many haven’t experienced or know of. We hope to inspire and take audiences on a journey.
This project is currently in early stages of development seeking the right fit with a production company or producer.
I can be contacted with any questions or interest ibnzarr@gmail.com
