“I play Ali Jahani, a 17-year-old kid from Iran, who escapes the war in Iran in the midst of the 1979 hostage crisis in hopes to come make a life for himself in America,” he said, about the film
The film has received many awards and accolades. “It was a great feeling. I didn’t even think I was being considered until I found out that I won most of them. It was really an exciting surprise each time. Napa Film Festival was funny because we won three different awards and they kept pushing me to on stage but I couldn’t hear which award they were announcing from backstage. I found myself on stage saying ‘Thank you so much…what did we win?’ Luckily the audience found it all pretty funny.”
Each day, he is motivated by his parents. “They are such amazing people and I watched them both work so hard striving to be the best versions of themselves each day. My goal is to do the same,” he said.
Regarding his future plans, he said, “I plan to continue to make more movies like this one. This film has so much heart and is so inspiring and that’s ultimately the reason I chose to be an actor, to inspire people. I plan to tell more great and inspiring stories.”
His dream acting partners include Matt Damon and Tom Crusie. “I would love to just race Tom Crusie while they get a tracking shot of us sprinting side by side,” he said.
“Go start auditioning,” he told aspiring actors. “You can be an ‘aspiring’ actor all your life and never even try. Go try! It’s the hardest step, but it’s the first step. From there, if you want it more than anything…you’ll find your way.”
For his fans, he concluded, “Know that this movie will make you laugh, make you cry and make you feel like you can do anything. It’s an inspiring true story that all movie fans and sports fans must see!”
