Sam Asghari Stars in Action Short Inspired by Iranian Refugee Stories

Sam Asghari has completed filming for the action thriller short titled “The Good American,” where he plays Ben, an Iranian refugee and rideshare driver in Los Angeles. The plot centers around Ben's involvement in a criminal underground after a passenger, played by Max Reeves, seeks his help to rescue her twin sister from a human trafficking ring operated by Russian mobsters. The film's themes of immigration and identity are deeply influenced by real-life events, particularly a New York Times article detailing the detention of Iranian American citizens at the U.S.-Canada border following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on January 3, 2020.

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Director and co-writer Alex Fazeli, who immigrated from Iran to the United States at the age of 12, reflects on the immigrant experience, stating, “I know what it feels like to not have a home, to search for one, to finally belong.” He emphasizes that being a good American transcends values and is tied to one's birthplace. Fazeli's personal narrative informs the film's exploration of identity and belonging.

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In a recent conversation at the Human Rights Campaign gala in Los Angeles, Asghari expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. He remarked, “I’m extremely worried. War is not something that I want, that anybody wants in the world…But truthfully, the people of Iran have been asking for help.” He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that while many Iranians hope for governmental change, the circumstances are fraught with confusion and fear.

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Alongside Asghari, the film features actors Ali Farahani, Anthony Belevtsov, Ziza Rafie, and Ali Saam. Asghari's previous work includes roles in “Hacks,” “Lioness,” “Jackpot!,” and “The Traitors.” His diverse acting portfolio contributes to the film's depth, aligning with its serious themes.

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“The Good American” not only aims to entertain but also seeks to shed light on the immigrant experience and the challenges faced by refugees. By intertwining personal narratives with broader socio-political themes, the film aspires to foster understanding and dialogue about the complexities of identity in a global context.

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• “I know what it feels like to not have a home, to search for one, to finally belong,” — Alex Fazeli, Director

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• “War is not something that I want, that anybody wants in the world…But truthfully, the people of Iran have been asking for help and the people of Iran, the majority of them, are sort of happy that this sad moment is creating history.” — Sam Asghari, Actor

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This film represents a significant cultural commentary, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of Iranian refugees while engaging with contemporary geopolitical issues.

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