A graduate of the National Film and Television School, Ashtar began her career making arts documentaries for the BBC. Following the death of her father, she became interested in the experience of the generation Iraqi men and women who came to the UK in the 50s and 60s and who she think’s are part of a forgotten diaspora. She made my short film, Abdullah and Leilah, with this in mind. The lead was played by the iconic Iraqi actor Sami Abdul Hameed.

Ashtar is currently working on a documentary about the UK AIDS Quilt and a drama script which looks at the experience of an Iraqi family and their children when they seek refuge in the UK.