Six years after the devastating Christchurch mosque attacks that claimed the lives of 51 people, an Afghan-Kiwi couple has transformed personal grief into a powerful act of remembrance and resilience.

Bariz Shah and Saba Afrasyabi were both in Christchurch on March 15, 2019, when a lone gunman opened fire at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

While they were not at either location, they were praying at another mosque in the city that day — a moment that would leave a permanent mark on their lives.

In the years since, the couple searched for a way to meaningfully honour the lives lost.

The result is Project 51 — a moving documentary that follows their emotional journey from New Zealand to Afghanistan, where they established 51 micro businesses in Kabul, one for each of the victims of the attacks.

 

The film captures more than just their humanitarian efforts. It reveals the deep connection between two cities scarred by violence — Christchurch and Kabul — and shows how grief can become a force for good.

Their mission focused on some of Kabul’s most vulnerable residents, providing opportunities for families to become self-sufficient through small-scale businesses such as food stalls, tailoring shops, and street kiosks. For Shah and Afrasyabi, this wasn’t just about charity — it was about legacy.

Project 51 doesn’t shy away from the pain of that day in Christchurch, nor from the daily struggles of life in Kabul. But what shines through is the couple’s unwavering belief that love and resilience can triumph over hate.

The film has already been described by early viewers as raw, powerful, and unforgettable — a tribute not just to those who were lost, but to the strength of those left behind.

Shah and Afrasyabi say their hope is that Project 51 inspires others to turn pain into purpose, and to remind the world that the best way to honour the fallen is through acts of compassion and lasting impact.