Many Kurds have fled to foreign countries as a result of oppression in their homelands. Especially in countries that do not accept the existence of the Kurds, they cannot progress, preserve their own language, or freely embrace their culture without fear, unlike other nations.
In the Kurdish diaspora, from Australia to Canada, there are stories of success that depict the courage and spirit of young Kurds. Time and again, Kurds have proven that they can make a unique contribution to the beauty of this world, if given the opportunity, adding a special color to the rainbow of cultures. In this article, we will focus on the achievements of a young Kurd from Australia whose family left their homeland 37 years ago and settled in that distant country: the actor Alan Dalziel.
Alan Dalziel is an up-and-coming actor who most recently starred in the new Paramount Plus series One Night. Growing up in a dysfunctional household, Alan developed an early fascination with film and cinema, as it served as an escape for him, presenting the possibilities of what life could be like. Having also starred in the SBS series Latecomers, his current aspirations point to conquering the United States and the international market. Trained and mentored under the close tutelage of Les Chantery (Juilliard, NIDA), authenticity and freedom are the catalysts for Alan’s work. While he has cited Ryan Gosling and Shia LaBeouf as his two greatest artistic inspirations, he also hopes to work with Sam Levinson, Derek Cianfrance, and Darius Marder soon. His coming-of-age short film Twenty Three, starring Charlotte Best, will be released to the film festival circuit in 2024.
In January 1986, Alan's father, Sayed Mesto, having completed his degree in Economics and Commerce at Aleppo University, migrated to Australia to begin a new chapter. It was a significant decision, shared Alan's father, one that marked a pivotal moment in his life – to relocate to a foreign land where he could pursue advanced studies and utilize his political ambitions in support of his oppressed compatriots overseas.
“My dreams have been realized,” he told Kurdistan Chronicle, “as I've been able to live in a society that champions freedom and democracy. I've had the privilege to raise my children in a superior environment, offering them quality education and a promising future.”
His son Alan was born in February 1999 in Sydney. According to his father he was an independent and intelligent boy. He loved playing football and ardently supported the English Premier League team Manchester United. In addition, Alan completed his black belt in Han Mu Do (Korean martial arts) in July 2015.
Throughout his childhood years, his enthusiasm for watching movies and shows was palpable. His favorite childhood film was Home Alone.
In 2020, Alan completed a year of tertiary study at Sydney University and engaged in a variety of online courses through the American Academy.
When not watching films, Alan is likely either at the gym or hiking. Thanks to his strong affinity for sports and a competitive spirit, the gym serves as an outlet for Alan’s energy. He is also remarkably sociable. He loves meeting new people and enjoys dancing, often seeking out social gatherings.
When asked about the movies Alan enjoyed as a child, his father said that Matilda undoubtedly held a special place for him. He resonated deeply with the character and found solace in the film's message of a better life, encapsulating the power of cinema to instill hope in its audience’s hearts.
Alan underwent training under the guidance of Les Chantery and Miranda Harcourt, both of whom imparted invaluable knowledge to him.
We reached out to Alan via email as he was traveling in the United States and United Kingdom:
Kurdistan Chronicle (KC): How did you get into acting?
Alan Dalziel (AD): I’ve wanted to act for as long as I can remember. I knew drama school wasn’t right for me because of the theatrical focus, so I sought out Les Chantery, who is my mentor and has been the most instrumental person in my career. Really what it came down to is I would record “self-tapes” three times a week, every week for two and half years. That’s really how I got comfortable in front of the camera and learned what was working and what wasn’t. You could say I am self-taught, with mentoring from Les.
KC: Your role in the series One Night was pivotal. Would you talk with us about this role and the series?
AD: One Night is a limited series drama on women’s generational trauma surrounding the events of one night. I’m a reoccurring guest on the show as “young Mark” in flashback scenes, the husband of Hat, one of the main characters. The shoot was an incredible experience, and I cannot speak highly enough of the cast and crew involved. I think the viewers are in for a treat.
KC: What are your projects for the future?
AD: I’m currently in the process of moving to London and elevating my career through booking lead roles.
KC: Could you talk briefly about Twenty Three, the short film you directed?
Twenty Three is a coming-of-age short film about modern dating and how hurt people hurt people. The film was drawn from my own personal experiences with dating at the age of 23 and I really just wanted to create something that was relatable to my generation.
Mey Dost is currently pursuing in a Master’s degree in Digital Media Communication at RWTH University in Germany. She showcases a passion for languages and frequently translates texts across various genres into English, German, and Kurdish.
