An artist in Balkh has established a film studio which provides free training on photography for nearly 40 students.

Masoma Azadmanish said the center is free for girls who are interested in learning the art of photography.

Azadmanish said that four years ago, she learnt the art of photography and film-making, when she was a migrant in Iran.

Azadmanish said that after she returned to Afghanistan she start working in this sector and is now responsible for a special film studio for young women in Balkh province.

“I worked in photography and film-making for four years and then I decided to create job opportunities and offer entrepreneurship for 20 to 40 people here in the studio, of which I am proud," Azadmanish said.

Fatima is a student at the pharmacy faculty, but she was interested in photography and has studied at the studio for the past six months.

“In six months I learnt many significant things about photography,” she said.

“I go to wedding ceremonies and make films. People are very happy about our work,” said Atifa, another photographer.

Sediqa, another girl who is a school graduate and decided to enter university said: "In the past all my expenses were provided by my family, but now that I am working for myself I am able to provide my own expenses.”

Meanwhile, a number of residents in Balkh welcome the start of this women's photography studio in the province where they can learn and work at the same time.

“How good it is, for our wedding parties, a female photographer does the filming, because families feel safe with them. We have hired girls from the women's studio for four parties,” said a resident, Nimatullah.