Premiere of The Last Ambassador at Votiv Kino, Vienna
Film screening sparks dialogue on diplomacy and women’s rights in Afghanistan
August 29th, 2025
On August 13, 2025, Votiv Kino in Vienna hosted the premiere of The Last Ambassador (2025), with the participation of Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari and film director Natalie Halla. The event brought together an engaged audience for an evening of cinema, diplomacy, and reflection.
The Last Ambassador is a compelling Austrian documentary that profiles Manizha Bakhtari, spotlighting her unprecedented position as Afghanistan’s only female ambassador remaining abroad after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Following the screening, a lively Q&A session offered insights into the film’s themes, the Ambassador’s work in Vienna and her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. The exchange highlighted not only the personal and professional journey of Ambassador Bakhtari but also the broader challenges of representation, resilience and advocacy in times of crisis.
The Embassy extended its gratitude to the Filmladen team – Patrick Winkler, Lisi Klinger, Sophie Stejskal, and Doris Hochrieser – whose support made the screening possible at Votiv Kino.
For Austrian and international audiences, The Last Ambassador was more than a film premiere: it was a reminder of the power of storytelling and diplomacy to illuminate struggles for justice and equality.
