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Fathimath Azifa (born 28 October 1988) is a Maldivian film actress. She has established a career in Maldivian films and is the recipient of several awards, including a Gaumee Film Award.


Career


2010–16: Debut and breakthrough

Azifa made her career debut while studying at grade four, in an episode from Yoosuf Rafeeu's comedy
television series A television show, TV program (), or simply a TV show, is the general reference to any content produced for viewing on a television set that is broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, and cable, or distributed digitally on streaming plat ...
''Dhiriulhumakee Mieebaa''. Afterwards, she appeared in another episode of the same series aired in 2007. After a break of two years, she appeared in Ali Shifau's suspense thriller '' Happy Birthday'' (2009) which narrates the story of a simple man who receives a call on his birthday informing that his wife and son have been kidnapped, only to be returned for a ransom. Azifa played the role of Fazla, a colleague of a straightforward man who had an unfortunate birthday. A total of five shows with little occupancy were screened at the cinema, declaring the film a commercial failure, despite the positive response from the critics. Winning five
Gaumee Film Awards The Gaumee Film Awards aka Dhivehi Film Awards are presented by National Centre for the Arts to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Maldivian film industry. The Gaumee Film Award ceremony is the oldest film event ...
and twelve
Maldives Film Awards The Maldives Film Awards are presented by Maldives Film Association to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Maldivian film industry. The ceremony had been sponsored by various private organizations in the past in ...
, the film was also screened at the
Venice Film Festival The Venice Film Festival or Venice International Film Festival (, "International Exhibition of Cinematographic Art of the Venice Biennale") is an annual film festival held in Venice, Italy. It is the world's oldest film festival and one of the ...
. Afterwards, she appeared as model in a special appearance in Niuma Mohamed's directorial debut drama film '' Niuma'' (2010). She was next signed on by
Amjad Ibrahim Amjad Ibrahim Didi (born 11 September 1967), commonly known as Amjad Ibrahim, is a Maldivian film director and screenwriter. Early life After completing eleven years of service in Maldives National Defence Force, Ibrahim decided to pursue a care ...
to play a devious maid in his family drama '' Hithey Dheymee'' (2011) alongside Amira Ismail and Hussain Solah which failed to do well commercially and critically. In 2011 Azifa played the role of Areeka, an introverted prudent girlfriend living a modest lifestyle, in the
Moomin Fuad Moomin Fuad is a Maldivians, Maldivian film director, cinematographer and screenwriter known for the critically acclaimed films ''Heylaa (film), Heylaa'' (2006), ''Happy Birthday (2009 film), Happy Birthday'' (2009) and ''Loodhifa'' (2011). Caree ...
-directed crime tragedy drama '' Loodhifa''. Featuring an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that comprises many principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast to the po ...
, the film deals with current social issues in the society told from different perspectives of the characters. Made on a budget of MVR 600,000, the film was declared a commercial failure though it received wide critical acclaim. Her portrayal garnered her several awards, including a
Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress The Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress is given as part of the Gaumee Film Awards for Maldivian Films. The award was first given in 1994. Here is a list of the award winners and the nominees of the respective award ceremonies. Winner ...
and a nomination for the Best Actress at the
2nd Maldives Film Awards 2nd Maldives Film Awards ceremony, presented by the Maldives Film Association, honored the best Maldivian films released in 2010 and 2011. Nominations for the major categories were announced on 25 June 2012. The ceremony was held on 4 July 2012. ...
ceremony. Azifa next starred alongside Niuma Mohamed and Ismail Rasheed in Hussain Munawwar's
romantic drama Romance films involve romantic love stories recorded in visual media for broadcast in theatres or on television that focus on passion (emotion), passion, emotion, and the affectionate romantic involvement of the main characters. Typically their ...
'' Sazaa''. Story of the film revolves around a carefree girl whose life flips upside down once she is forced to marry a brutal man. She played the role of an independent woman who commits suicide when she is brutally raped by her brother-in-law. Ahmed Nadheem reviewing from '' Haveeru'' wrote: Azifa leaves a strong impact. She seems polishing her acting skills with each movies". Though her performance received positive comments, reviewers were displeased with her the character when a "well-developed strong character ended up so badly". Critically well-received, the film emerged as a commercial success. It was followed by Hamid Ali's romantic family drama '' Laelaa'' opposite
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
which was a critical and box office failure. In 2014, Azifa starred opposite
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
in the suspense thriller film '' 24 Gadi Iru'' (2014) which was co-directed by Shafeeu and Mohamed Rasheed. The film focuses on a romantic relationship between a girl diagnosed with mental illness and her psychiatrist. Production of the film began in 2010, though it was theatrically released four years later. Her role as Reesha, a psycho girl and the film received mixed reviews from critics. Ahmed Nadheem reviewing from '' Haveeru'' wrote: "Indeed, Azifa is a very promising actress and she has proved her worth in the industry with ''Loodhifa''. However an actor needs a good mentor to extract the best in oneself. It is very clear the directors haven't tried a bit to bring out the raw talent inside of her". She next starred in
Abdul Faththaah Abdul Faththaah Abdul Gayyoom (born 6 December 1971), commonly known as Abdul Faththaah is a Maldivians, Maldivian film director, Film producer, producer, Film editing, editor, screenwriter and Choreography, choreographer. One of the most successf ...
's romantic drama ''
Aadheys ''Aadheys'' is a 2014 Maldivian family drama film directed by Abdul Faththaah Abdul Faththaah Abdul Gayyoom (born 6 December 1971), commonly known as Abdul Faththaah is a Maldivians, Maldivian film director, Film producer, producer, Film editin ...
'', alongside Niuma Mohamed,
Hussain Sobah Hussain Sobah (born 11 November 1972) is a Maldivian film actor, music composer and playback singer. Career In 1995, Sobah featured in Mohamed Shiyaz's ''Dhushman'' alongside Mariyam Nisha, Aminath Rasheedha and Hamid Ali in pivotal roles. In the ...
, Amira Ismail, Moosa Zakariyya and
Ali Azim Ali Azim is a Maldivian film actor. Career 2010–2016: Early releases Azim expressed his interest in acting at a very young age. Before he pursued a career in acting Azim worked as a dancer and stage performer. He was first recognized by the aud ...
. Filming was completed in 2011, though it was released three years following the death of film producer Hassain Ali. It revolves around a sacrificing mother and her affection towards her child. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to leave an impression commercially. Ismail Naail reviewing from Vaguthu wrote: "In contrast to her performance in '' Loodhifa'', this can be termed as disappointing". At the
8th Gaumee Film Awards 8th Gaumee Film Awards ceremony, honored the best Maldivian films released between 2014 and 2016. The ceremony was held on 20 December 2017. Winners and nominees Main awards Nominees were announced on 12 December 2017. Technical awards Short ...
she received her second Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in the film. Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed '' Randhari'' was Azifa's only release of 2015. Her portrayal of the character Aisha, along with the film, received negative reviews from critics and performed below average at the box office. The following year, she made a special appearance in the
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
-directed '' Baiveriyaa'' (2016), a comedy film featuring an ensemble cast. The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.


2017–present: Commercial success

Azifa's first release of 2017 came in the Ali Musthafa-directed family drama '' Malikaa''. Featuring Nuzuhath Shuaib and
Mohamed Jumayyil Mohamed Jumayyil Nimal (born 19 April 1989) is a Maldivian actor. He has established a career in Maldives Film Industry and is a recipient of several awards, including two Gaumee Film Awards. Born in Malé, Jumayyil is the son of the renowned Mal ...
in the lead role, the film tells the story of the sidelined daughter, played by Shuaib, who manages the family. Azifa played the role of Jeeza, the envious and insecure sister-in-law of the title character, showing an excessive interest in acquiring money and wealth. Ahmed Nadheem, revieweing for ''Avas'' opined that Azifa was the only star who "left an impression in the acting department" from the film, though he felt the "flaws in her character development led to lack of exhilaration" at her presence. Despite low expectations from trade analysts, the film received mixed reviews and performed moderately at the box office. She next featured alongside an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that comprises many principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast to the po ...
including
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
,
Mohamed Manik Mohamed Manik (15 October 1969) is a Maldivian film actor, director and makeup artist. Career 2002–10: Critical acclaim and breakthrough Manik rose to fame and prominence in the television industry and was applauded for his performance in a dua ...
, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in the romantic comedy film '' Naughty 40'' which was directed by Shafeeu. The film revolves around three friends, Ashwanee, Ahsan and Ajwad (Played by Shafeeu, Saeed and Manik respectively) who are single and having a youthful outlook, in spite of being in their forties. Azifa played the role of Taniya, the beguiling lady signed up by her aunt to seduce and take down their rival businessman in the island, Jawad. The film met with both critical and commercial success, emerging as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017. She was next seen alongside Jadhulla Ismail in the Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed '' Neydhen Vakivaakah'', which was a critical and commercial failure. In the film she played the role of Zeena, a woman who is having a tragic and unfortunate love life where she is forced to separate from her lovers after dreadful events. Her fourth and final release of the year was
Aishath Rishmy Aishath Rishmy Rameez (born 15 November 1985) is a Maldivian actress, film producer and director. She has established a career in Maldives Film Industry and is a recipient of several awards, including three Gaumee Film Awards, and two Maldives Fi ...
's romantic drama ''
Bos ''Bos'' (from Latin '' bōs'': cow, ox, bull) is a genus of bovines, which includes, among others, wild and domestic cattle. ''Bos'' is often divided into four subgenera: ''Bos'', ''Bibos'', ''Novibos'', and ''Poephagus'', but including t ...
''. Penned and produced by
Fathimath Nahula Fathimath Nahula (born 22 June 1973) is a Maldivians, Maldivian film director, film producer and screenwriter. Early life In 1991, Nahula joined Jamaluddin school and worked as a teacher for four years. During the time, she spends most of her tim ...
, the film tells the story of Ibaa (played by
Mariyam Azza Mariyam Azza (born 20 April 1989) is a Maldivian film actress. She is the daughter of actress Aminath Rasheedha and younger sister to actress turned director Aishath Rishmy. Early life Born in Malé, Azza is the daughter of actress Aminath Rashee ...
), a woman from a royal family and her battle with depression after the demise of her father. Azifa played the role of June, a greedy woman going to extreme lengths for money, the love interest of Maish (played by Ibrahim Jihad) while duping other men in her trap. A reviewer from ''Avas'' criticise the film for having resemblance with American
coming-of-age Coming of age is a young person's transition from being a child to being an adult. The specific age at which this transition takes place varies between societies, as does the nature of the change. It can be a simple legal convention or can b ...
romantic drama Romance films involve romantic love stories recorded in visual media for broadcast in theatres or on television that focus on passion (emotion), passion, emotion, and the affectionate romantic involvement of the main characters. Typically their ...
''
A Walk to Remember ''A Walk to Remember'' is a 2002 American coming-of-age romantic drama film directed by Adam Shankman and written by Karen Janszen, based on Nicholas Sparks' 1999 novel of the same name. It stars Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote and Da ...
'' (2002) and Indian romantic drama '' Sanam Teri Kasam'' (2016), however applauded Azifa's performance as the greedy and ungrateful woman. Though the film received mixed response from critics, it emerged as the highest grossing Maldivian film of 2017. 2018 was a dull year for Maldivian film-industry with regards to
2018 Maldivian presidential election Eighteen or 18 may refer to: * 18 (number) * One of the years 18 BC, AD 18, 1918, 2018 Film, television and entertainment * ''18'' (film), a 1993 Taiwanese experimental film based on the short story ''God's Dice'' * ''Eighteen'' (film), a 2 ...
, hence only one film of Azifa was released during the year; a suspense thriller film '' Dhevansoora'' (2018) written and directed by
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
. The film marks Shafeeu's thirtieth direction and features an
ensemble cast In a dramatic production, an ensemble cast is one that comprises many principal actors and performers who are typically assigned roughly equal amounts of screen time.Random House: ensemble acting Linked 2013-07-17 Structure In contrast to the po ...
of twenty-one actors. Revolving around a murder investigation, she played an imaginary doctor counselling the character played by Shafeeu; a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder. The film received positive reviews from critics and was considered a "norm-breaker" for the Maldivian cinema. Ahmed Hameed Adam reviewing from VNews applauded Azifa's performance and found her to "sensuous yet convincing". The following year, she starred in
Yoosuf Shafeeu Yoosuf Shafeeu also known as Eupe (20 October 1975) is a Maldivian film actor, director, producer, writer and editor. Regarded as one of the most successful figures in Maldivian cinema, Shafeeu is the recipient numerous accolades, including eigh ...
's horror comedy film ''
40+ 40 or forty commonly refers to: * 40 (number) * one of the years 40 BC, AD 40, 1940, 2040 40 or forty may also refer to: Music * 40 (record producer) (born 1983), Canadian hip hop producer (born Noah Shebib) * ''Forty'' (album), a 2001 live ...
'' (2019), a sequel to 2017 released comedy film '' Naughty 40'', which was well received both critically and commercially.


Media image

In 2012, Azifa was ranked at the sixth position in the list of "Best Actresses in Maldives" compiled by '' Haveeru'', where writer Ahmed Nadheem considered her the "most promising actress" from the current generation and credited her "powerful performance" in '' Loodhifa'' for the same. In 2018, Azifa was ranked in the sixth position from ''Dho?s list of Top Ten Actresses of Maldives where writer Aishath Maaha opined that Azifa is a "promising" actress who perfectly pulls off several characters, mostly supporting roles.


Personal life

On 2 September 2016, Azifa married one of her co-stars, Ahmed Saeed. On 18 May 2019, Azifa gave birth to a daughter.


Filmography


Feature film


Television


Short film


Accolades


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Azifa, Fathimath Living people Actresses from Malé 21st-century Maldivian actresses Maldivian film actresses 1988 births