Director
Muhammad Abed Baryal (born October 1, 2000, in Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) is an Afghan filmmaker, producer, editor, and actor based in Kabul. He began his artistic career at the age of ten, appearing in feature films such as Algooye Kochak and Gol Baboneh, both directed by his father, Afghan filmmaker Bahram Baryal. Since 2017, Baryal has been professionally active in the Afghan film industry, working across cinematography and editing and collaborating with film studios and independent cinematic media organizations in Afghanistan. He has also appeared in several films and television series, performing alongside prominent Afghan actor Abdulhamad Khaksar. Between 2017 and 2024, he worked continuously as an editor while maintaining an active presence as an actor. He has developed his craft through extensive hands-on experience and professional exchange with Afghan filmmakers. His work is influenced by filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, David Fincher, David Lynch, Abbas Kiarostami, and the James Bond film series. Awards & Recognition • Official Nominee – Expire, AJR Vision Festival (2025) Nominación Mejor Experimental • Official Selection – Behind the Door, Lift-Off Sessions 2025 (Volume 4: New Voices Shorts) • Official Selection – The Book Seller’s Daughter, Filmmaker Sessions 2025 (Volume 5: New Voices Shorts) • Winner – Best Editing, Did-Naw Short Film Festival (2022), Afghanistan
