Havana Marking is a renowned British producer and director of documentary films, with a notable body of work that has garnered widespread acclaim.
Born in England, Marking's formative years were spent in the United States, where her father held a professorship at the University of Washington. Her mother, a trailblazing figure in her own right, was one of the first female television directors in the UK.
After returning to England, Marking embarked on a career in television, initially working as a researcher and subsequently producing and directing a series of short films.
Her feature-length documentary debut, "The Crippendales," premiered in 2007, providing an intimate portrayal of the lives of disabled male strippers. The same year, Marking began filming "Afghan Star," a documentary that would go on to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Centered around four contestants vying for the top prize on a TV musical reality program, "Afghan Star" delves into the lives of these talented individuals, offering a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges they face. The film's critical success was capped off with several awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
Currently, Marking is working on a documentary about Setara Hussainzada, a contestant on "Afghan Star" who received death threats for her performances on the program.
