Computer-scientist-turned-filmmaker, Afia, loves pushing the boundaries of narrative film.Her debut feature film Dukhtar (Daughter) premiered at Toronto in 2014 and become Pakistan's Official Submission for Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards®. The film has played to critical acclaim in over 20 countries and is the recipient of several awards including Audience Award for Best Feature at Creteil, Best World Feature at Sonoma, Best Director and Best Feature Film at South Asian International Film Festival.Afia has been featured in the Variety, New York Times, Indiewire and Screen Daily. Variety says, "Nathaniel proves her mettle in a national industry where distaff directors are rare" with Indiewire labeling Dukhtar as "groundbreaking" calling it "art and social change united in harmony via soulful storytelling". She has been featured on Fox 5 in a special segment as "Women who shape the future".Afia teaches Screenwriting at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division.