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An Oscar-nominated filmmaker and founding director of the documentary production company Development Pictures, Sam’s work has appeared on HBO, BBC, CNN, Channel 4 News, Al Jazeera, National Geographic, and other broadcast outlets. In addition to multiple award-winning documentaries, Sam wrote and directed the Academy Award nominated short film “Buzkashi Boys,” which was the first narrative film since 2001 to be filmed entirely on location in Afghanistan. Sam believes in the power of storytelling to connect people across different cultures, and that if we share our stories, we can change the world.

Drama Reel

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Drama, Narrative

Afghanistan, Kai Lenny, ANA, Nazare, afghanistan, Afghan National Army, Jaws, Reconstruction, In-Justice, Buzkashi, oscars, Sam French, Taliban, conflict, army, Ahmad Zahir, Big Wave surfing, golden age, war, moral crimes, women

MAIN VIDEOS

With This Breath I Fly

At the height of the international occupation of Afghanistan, two women – Gulnaz, raped and impregnated by her uncle, and Farida, on the run from an abusive husband – are imprisoned on charges of “moral crimes” by an Afghan justice system that is supported by billions of dollars of aid money from the European Union. With This Breath I Fly follows these two courageous women fighting for their freedom against a patriarchal Afghan society, while exposing the complicity of the European Union in censoring their voices, and how the international press – and our documentary – forever alters the course of their lives. Find out more: http://www.in-justicefilm.com

moral crimes, women, In-Justice, Afghanistan

Life of Kai

From foiling the world’s biggest waves to redefining what's possible on a surfboard, Life of Kai takes viewers on an immersive journey, riding shotgun as Kai Lenny travels the globe chasing his dreams.

Big Wave surfing, Kai Lenny, Jaws, Nazare

Women in the Wilderness

Women in the Wilderness follows three women who adopt wild mustangs and embark on an epic 40 day journey across the American West in order to understand the plight of wild horses and inspire women to pursue their dreams.

Buzkashi Boys

Set against the dramatic landscape of contemporary Afghanistan and filmed entirely on location, “Buzkashi Boys” is a ground-breaking narrative film about two best friends who strive to forge their own future as they make their way to manhood in one of the most war-torn countries on Earth. Watch the full film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2sYUtzxRBQ

afghanistan, Buzkashi, oscars

All In

This all-access, behind-the-scenes documentary follows top surfers as they take on the World Surf League Championship Tour.

Rise

Alexey Molchanov is the best Freediver alive. At Vertical Blue, one of diving’s premier competitions, he wants to dominate like never before. But for Alexey, diving isn’t a sport; it’s a means of reconnecting with a mother he lost to the ocean.

Why We Fight

Season 2 of Why We Fight follows Cat Zingano as she explores the motivations and stories of fighters across the globe.

Birth of a Religion

Esports is the fastest growing sport worldwide. With parallels to the origin of major religion, a new generation of video gamers train tirelessly, compete in arenas and earn sponsors, while a female team fights for recognition among male competitors.

Ahmad Zahir

ZAHIR is a feature documentary film which explores the extraordinary life and legacy of Ahmad Zahir. He came to the stage in a time when women in Kabul wore mini-skirts, foreigners flocked to Afghanistan on the “hippie trail,” and progressive change swept the country. Ahmad Zahir rocketed to stardom in the 60s and 70s, his voice capturing the soul of an entire generation. No other icon in Afghan history can allow us to more deeply explore a country that could have been, and unravel what such a progressive legacy means for the world today.

Ahmad Zahir, golden age, afghanistan

Afghanistan Rising

With the coalition troops withdrawing, the Afghan National Army continues the fight against the Taliban. Commissioned by the US Army, the full movie was screened before the US Senate Armed Services Committee to highlight the work of these brave Afghan soldiers and convince the Senate to authorize a continuing funding resolution.

Afghanistan, army, war, conflict, Taliban, Sam French, Afghan National Army, ANA, Reconstruction

Over the Line

Although he has never set the best example, Jack has always tried to protect Laura. Over the course of one night, as he tries to save her from sliding further down the path toward drug addiction, he is ultimately forced to confront the consequences of his own actions.

Narrative, Drama

Sam French

Writer. Director. Producer.

Sam is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and founding director of the production companies Straylight Studios and Development Pictures. Sam’s work has appeared on HBO, BBC, CNN, Channel 4 News, Al Jazeera, National Geographic, and other broadcast outlets.

Links to full films available upon request.

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