Austrian Embassy Hosts Screening of “The Last Ambassador” in Washington, D.C

Washington, D.C. – December 9, 2025
The Embassy of Austria in Washington hosted a screening of The “Last Ambassador”, a documentary by Austrian filmmaker Natalie Halla that chronicles the work of Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Austria. The film highlights Ambassador Bakhtari’s continued efforts to represent Afghanistan’s women internationally at a time when the Taliban has imposed gender apartheid, denying women access to education, employment, and public life.
The event drew diplomats, human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, and members of the cultural community. After the screening, a panel discussion was held featuring Ambassador Bakhtari, women’s rights advocate Metra Mehran, and filmmaker Halla. The panel was moderated by Nadia Hashimi.
Discussion centered on the Taliban’s restrictive policies toward women, the impact of gender apartheid on Afghanistan’s society, and the broader international response. Speakers underscored the urgency of continued advocacy and global support for women of Afghanistan.
The screening highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting human rights and amplifying the voices of Afghanistan’s women on the global stage.