Draft:Davood Afkhami Zabol


Is the IRGC Terrorist? (2024)

Portrait of Davood Afkhami Zabol, an Iranian-Canadian digital marketing strategist, filmmaker, and human rights activist, wearing a black suit and tie with a blue and red background.
Davood Afkhami Zabol, Iranian-Canadian digital marketing strategist, filmmaker, and human rights activist.

Davood Afkhami Zabol[1]

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Born: June 30, 1982

Birthplace: Mashhad, Iran

Nationality: Iranian-Canadian

Occupation: Digital Marketing Strategist, Media Consultant, Filmmaker, Human Rights Activist

Known for: Advocacy in the Iranian freedom movement, founding Golden Camera Production, early film work, and activism for human rights.

Early Life and Education

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Davood Afkhami Zabol was born on June 30, 1982, in Mashhad, Iran, and became actively involved in Iran's human rights activism at a young age. As a teenager, he was engaged in efforts for greater freedom within Iran, advocating against government repression and supporting the Iranian freedom movement. He continued to champion human rights and worked alongside activists in events such as the candlelight vigil for Mahsa Amini[2], where he collaborated with other human rights advocates. His activities as part of these movements led to a commitment to using media to highlight social issues.

Afkhami Zabol later completed a Bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Arts (Hons)[3] in Digital Film & Television and a Master’s degree in Communication[4], building on his desire to use storytelling as a tool for advocacy and change. He briefly pursued a PhD in TV and Broadcasting within the same faculty as his peer, Mahmud Farjami[5], focusing on television’s role in societal narratives.

Professional Career

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Film and Media Production

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Afkhami Zabol began producing short films at age 19, documenting his experiences and perspectives in Mashhad, Iran, during a time of political tension. His early works focused on themes of resistance and social justice, with the goal of bringing Iranian stories to a global audience. He has continued this trajectory throughout his career, producing films that explore complex social themes and engaging with diverse communities in Iran, Southeast Asia, and Canada. His early works are cited in media databases, and he remains committed to media as a platform for change.

In Toronto, Afkhami Zabol founded Golden Camera[6] Production, a company specializing in video content creation for businesses, nonprofits, and social movements. Golden Camera offers a range of production services, including promotional videos, documentary content, and training resources, and has been recognized for its ability to help clients convey impactful narratives through digital media.

Film and Media Production

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Afkhami Zabol is a director, writer, and cinematographer with a portfolio of films and documentaries that span from social issues to dramatic storytelling. Notable works include:

  • Democracy: A Dreamer's Perspective (2007)[7]
  • Wirasiswi (2008)
  • My Turn (2008)
  • DEMOCRACY IS (2009)
  • Blind Mirror (2010)
  • Solidarity with Israel (2023)
  • Is the IRGC Terrorist? (2024)[8]
  • The Hungry Ghost (2024)[9][10]
  • The Change Show (2024, Episodes 1 & 2)
  • Money Show (2024, Episode 1)

Digital Marketing and Advocacy

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Beyond filmmaking, Afkhami Zabol is an experienced Digital Marketing Strategist with a specialization in customer relationship management (CRM) and social media strategy. His recent completion of a digital marketing program in collaboration with Humber College and Access Employment has further equipped him to provide comprehensive digital strategies for various organizations.

In Toronto, he has helped multiple businesses and nonprofits elevate their online presence, combining expertise in marketing’s “4 Ps”—Product, Price, Place, and Promotion—with digital production to expand their reach and engagement. His work continues to bridge storytelling and advocacy, especially in the areas of social equity and inclusion.

Activism and Advocacy

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Afkhami Zabol has been an outspoken advocate for human rights since his youth. He actively supported the Iranian freedom movement against the repressive Iranian government, advocating for freedom of speech and human rights. He participated in the candlelight vigil for Mahsa Amini, an event aimed at highlighting the human rights abuses in Iran, and has continued to use his platform to raise awareness of Iran’s political climate. His activism has extended into his work as a filmmaker and digital strategist, where he highlights issues surrounding freedom, justice, and human rights in various projects and collaborations.

Family and Personal Life

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Afkhami Zabol is the elder brother of Pouria Afkhamizabol, a Radio Farda employee[11], media producer, and international fashion photographer. Pouria’s work in media has similarly focused on themes of cultural expression and storytelling. Davood Afkhami Zabol lives in Toronto, where he remains active in both his professional and advocacy efforts. His children, Afarin and Arman, live in Malaysia with their mother and grandmother.

Awards, Publications, and Certifications

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While Afkhami Zabol’s contributions have been widely recognized in industry circles and among community members, formal awards are pending citation from third-party sources. His work as a human rights advocate and filmmaker has received acclaim for its insightful approach to social issues.

Volunteering and Community Engagement

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Afkhami Zabol is dedicated to community service, evidenced by his active volunteer roles in Toronto and Malaysia:

  • Malaysian Red Crescent Society (Mar 2015 – Present): Voluntary Aid Detachment member contributing to social services.
  • Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (Apr – May 2024): Completed 64 hours as part of the Social Media, Festival Marketing, and Festival Teams. He received the Volunteer Award in Arts and Culture Toronto (VAACT) stamp for his contributions.
  • Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (May 2024): Volunteered in arts and culture, supporting events and community outreach.
  • Toronto Jewish Film Festival (May – Jun 2024): Assisted the organizers’ team, ensuring smooth event management at Innis Town Hall.
  • Tirgan Festival (Jul 2023): Contributed as a Videographer, Photographer, and Media Specialist to celebrate Iranian arts and culture.
  • Pride Toronto (Jun 2024): Volunteered at a major event, supporting diversity and inclusion efforts.
  • Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (Sep 2024): Served 54+ hours in roles that included support for the Press & Industry sectors and guest services.
  • NXNE Music Festival (Jun 2024): Worked as a photographer, capturing festival highlights.
  • Elevate Festival (Oct 2024): Volunteered as a Media Specialist at this science and technology-focused event, earning a VAACT stamp for his efforts.

Further Reading

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Davood Afkhami Zabol at The Vibes | Malaysia[12]

Davood Afkhami Zabol at Malaysiakini[13]

Davood Afkhami Zabol on IMDB[14][15]

  1. ^ "PORTFOLIO - Davood Afkhami ZabolI - Golden Camera". 2024-07-24. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  2. ^ "Mahsa Amini's candlelight vigil: cops haul in activists". The Vibes. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  3. ^ "Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Digital Film & Television". Limkokwing University. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  4. ^ Services, WebWay E. "Master of Communication (Screen Studies) - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Course Details". StudyMalaysia.com. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  5. ^ "Mahmud Farjami". www.wikidata.org. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  6. ^ "Home - Golden Camera". 2024-07-21. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  7. ^ Zabol, Davood Afkhami (2007-11-14), Democracy: A Dreamer's Perspective (Short, Fantasy), retrieved 2024-10-29
  8. ^ Zabol, Davood Afkhami (2024-09-01), Is the IRGC Terrorist? (Short), Salman Sima, retrieved 2024-10-29
  9. ^ "The Hungry Ghost ( 2024-10-07 (CA) )". Peliplat. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  10. ^ Zabol, Davood Afkhami (2024-10-07), The Hungry Ghost (Short, Horror), Victoria Bidima, Emmanuel Ikponmwonba, Pratima Kc, Wonbas Studios, retrieved 2024-10-29
  11. ^ "نتایج جستجو - پوریا افخمی, همه موارد, page ۱, تمام زمان‌ها, ۱۰ گزینه در هر صفحه". www.radiofarda.com (in Persian). Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  12. ^ "Mahsa Amini's candlelight vigil: cops haul in activists". The Vibes. 2022-09-29. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  13. ^ Alhadjri, Alyaa (2022-09-29). "Aktivis bidas PM kerana tak suarakan isu kematian Mahsa Amini di UNGA". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  14. ^ "Davood Afkhami Zabol | Director, Writer, Cinematographer". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  15. ^ "IMDb Seen: Davood Afkhami Zabol". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-10-29.