Turkish Airlines flies two underprivileged Oscar nominees from Kabul to the Hollywood red carpet showing that dreams do come true – particularly in the case of two Afghan teens hoping to make it to the Oscars®.
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short, “Buzkashi Boys” is the story of two best friends who realize their dreams while playing Afghanistan’s version of polo in one of the most war-torn countries in the world. With the nomination, the film’s teenage star, Fawad Mohammadi, became eligible for a ticket to the awards but his co-star Jawanmardi Piaz did not. What followed was a social fundraising campaign on Rally.org (https://rally.org/buzkashiboys) which quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon. The goal was to raise $10,000 to get both stars to Los Angeles and that money was raised in just over a week. This story caught the attention of executives at Turkish Airlines’ Los Angeles office who immediately sought to help.
“I was both impressed and moved with the determination that these two boys possessed in the hopes of attending the Oscars® to represent their film,” said Fatma Yuceler, Turkish Airlines General Manager, Western U.S.A.
“At the time of our involvement, they had already come close to reaching their ten-thousand dollar goal. Our ticket donations will allow them to set aside the funds that they already raised and put them into a college fund for Mohammadi. We are proud that we could be a part of making their dream a reality.”
Turkish Airlines has donated two tickets in addition to a third for an adult chaperone. This trip is the first out of the country for Fawad.
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