Beyond directing, Afkhami has had a notable career as a media personality and political figure. He has served as a member of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), which has sometimes intertwined his artistic and political lives, often making him a figure of public debate. Furthermore, he has hosted popular television programs, including "Haft", a prominent film criticism show in Iran, where his candid and often controversial opinions on domestic and international cinema garnered significant attention and discussion.
