Tahmina Rafaella is an Azerbaijani filmmaker and actress. An alumni of Berlinale Talents (Sarajevo 17’) and Williamstown Theatre Festival apprentice program, she holds a bachelor's degree in film studies/creative writing and has been studying acting since she was seventeen.  

In 2015, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of Azerbaijan funded her first feature film, Inner City, which she wrote and starred in. The film competed in multiple film festivals around the world including Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, Cairo International Film Festival, International Film Festival of India Goa, Lake Van International Film Festival where it won Best Actress, and at World Fest Houston receiving the Gold Remi Award. Recently, Tahmina wrote, directed, produced and acted in “A Woman”, a short that just began its festival run and will next be competing at Palm Springs Shortfest. She is currently working on a feature with a renowned Azerbaijani filmmaker.   

In 2019, Tahmina was selected as one of the 100 Faces of Azerbaijani Youth, a program organized by NAYORA (National Assembly of Youth of the Republic of Azerbaijan). The program selects individuals under the age of 30 that have contributed/continue to contribute to the advancement and improvement of the Azerbaijani society.  

To watch Tahmina's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Bjp... 

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