Entertainment · Film · 3 hrs ago
Riz Ahmed joins Afghan astronaut documentary as executive producer
Riz Ahmed has joined Forgotten Spaceman as an executive producer on the short documentary directed by Elham Ehsas.
The film follows Abdul Ahad Momand, Afghanistan’s first and only astronaut, and his 1988 journey into space on a Soviet mission.
Ehsas also connects Momand’s story to his own family: his father was the first person to interview Momand after he returned to Earth.
The film uses this history to show Afghanistan during that era and a perspective on the country beyond headlines.
It has screened at festivals including Locarno, Toronto and the London Film Festival, and won Best Documentary at Aesthetica.
Ahmed’s support adds to a production team that includes Ken Loach’s Sixteen Films.
The film’s festival run continues, with screenings planned at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, among others.
Riz Ahmed has joined Forgotten Spaceman as an executive producer.
The short documentary, written and directed by Elham Ehsas, tells the story of Abdul Ahad Momand, Afghanistan’s first and only astronaut.
It follows Momand’s 1988 trip to space on a Soviet mission and also depicts Afghanistan during that era.
The film has won Best Documentary at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival.
Its festival run has included Locarno, Toronto and the London Film Festival, and is continuing with screenings including at IDFA.
- Who
- Riz Ahmed joined the film as an executive producer. Elham Ehsas wrote and directed it.
- What
- Ahmed joined Forgotten Spaceman, a short documentary about astronaut Abdul Ahad Momand.
- When
- The announcement was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The film follows Momand’s trip to space on a Soviet mission; the sources do not state where Ahmed joined the project.
- Why
- Ahmed said he was proud to support Ehsas and the team, and that the film offers a perspective on Afghanistan beyond the headlines.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Abdul Ahad Momand travelled to space as part of a Soviet mission.
Riz Ahmed won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Long Goodbye.
Deadline reported that Ahmed had joined Forgotten Spaceman as an executive producer.
- Film
- Forgotten Spaceman
- Executive producer
- Riz Ahmed
- Writer and director
- Elham Ehsas
- Subject
- Abdul Ahad Momand, Afghanistan’s first and only astronaut
- Space trip
- 1988, as part of a Soviet mission
- Festival award
- Best Documentary, Aesthetica Short Film Festival
What people are saying
It offers a perspective on Afghanistan beyond the headlines, and it’s been incredible to see the film resonate with audiences around the world.
Having Riz come on board is a real honor.