Salar Zarza
- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Producer
Salar Zarza is a Kurdish-Iranian actor, writer, director, producer, and accomplished martial artist, raised and based in the Netherlands. With a foundation in multiple martial arts disciplines and a deep passion for cinematic storytelling, Zarza has built an international career in both independent and large-scale productions, earning recognition across Europe, the Middle East, and Hollywood.
Early Life & Martial Arts Foundation Born in Iran and raised in the Netherlands, Zarza began training in martial arts from a young age, mastering judo, karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. At age 14, he continued his training under Iraj, a legendary fighter pilot and former bodyguard to the last Shah of Persia. This foundation shaped Zarza's distinctive physicality and discipline, which would later define his screen presence in demanding action roles.
Career Timeline In 2008, Zarza joined UK-based production company Modern Life to work on the British action film Ten Dead Men. In 2010, he played a small role in the Dutch thriller Caged, directed by Stephan Brenninkmeijer, which received a theatrical release in the Netherlands followed by international distribution on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD. In 2012, Zarza founded True Spirit Productions, later evolving into True Spirit Entertainment, a production company focused on independent films in the action, drama, and thriller genres. That same year, he worked on the action feature Vigilance as RED Steadicam operator and immediately afterward traveled to Amman, Jordan, to film A Facebook Romance, directed by Dr. Mohydeen Quandour. In A Facebook Romance, Zarza served as both cinematographer and as a principal actor, portraying Waleed Rami, a wealthy Jordanian businessman. He starred opposite Lebanese icon Lamitta Frangieh and Egyptian actor Mohamed Karim. The film was shot in 19 days across multiple locations in Jordan and premiered at the 10th Monaco International Film Festival, where it received six awards, including the Angel Award for Best Cast Ensemble, which included Zarza as one of the honorees.
In 2014, Zarza co-starred with Michel Qissi (known for Kickboxer, Bloodsport, and Lionheart) in BARA (An Eye for an Eye). Shot in the Moroccan Sahara, Zarza played Jaafar, the powerful right hand of the film's lead character. BARA received a warm theatrical reception in Morocco and marked the beginning of a collaboration between Zarza and Qissi on multiple international projects. In 2018, Zarza served as both cinematographer and a lead actor in the international feature film Islamophobia, portraying CIA agent Ali. The film starred veteran Hollywood actor Chris Mulky (Rambo: First Blood) and premiered during the Cannes Film Festival.
2014-2016: Dutch Teaser & Vision Shift Prior to the international expansion of Out for Vengeance, Zarza created an early concept teaser filmed in Dutch. The teaser generated interest and led to an invitation from UPC (later rebranded as Ziggo), who offered a non-exclusive distribution deal. This marked a key turning point: the validation of the concept confirmed to Zarza that he was on the right path. Inspired, he made the strategic decision to rewrite the story in English and reimagine it on a global scale. This became the foundation for what would ultimately become his flagship project.
2016-2018: International Development & Foundation of a Flagship Project Between 2016 and 2018, Salar Zarza shifted his focus toward the independent development of large-scale projects. During this period, he continued to work internationally while laying the creative and structural groundwork for Out for Vengeance. This marked a major evolution in his career from working as an actor and cinematographer on sets worldwide, to stepping into full creative leadership. Zarza independently wrote, developed, and structured the entire first season of Out for Vengeance, crafting over 130 scenes across 8 tightly connected episodes. He led the project from concept through pre- and post-production entirely under the True Spirit Entertainment banner, overseeing all creative elements while simultaneously managing casting, development, and international pre-sales outreach. This phase not only reflected his growth as a filmmaker but also solidified his transition into full authorship of cinematic narratives.
Out for Vengeance - Flagship Project (2016-2025) In 2016, Zarza began production on his most ambitious project to date: the international action-thriller Out for Vengeance. Zarza wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the lead role as Alan Barnas, a Special Forces sergeant who becomes entangled in a cross-border conspiracy involving rival drug cartels, law enforcement, and a deeply personal vendetta. Structured as both a feature film and an eight-episode television series, Out for Vengeance spans over 130 scenes and showcases a cast of more than 40 international actors. The project is notable as the first production in Dutch history to unite over five Hollywood stars in a single feature, alongside well-known Dutch celebrities.
The international cast includes Costas Mandylor (Saw), Robert Maaser (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, Ballerina), Silvio Simac (Transporter 3), Richard Burgi (Hostel 2, Desperate Housewives), Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon), Barbara Nedeljakova (Hostel), Ron Smoorenburg (Who Am I), Kim Feenstra, Fajah Lourens, Olympic gold medalist Inge de Bruijn, and Dorien Rose Duinker in the female lead. Action icon Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja) co-directed selected scenes alongside Zarza in Amsterdam. The project wrapped filming in November 2024, with all eight episodes of Season One now picture-locked, color graded, and fully completed in terms of visual effects. The only remaining element is the score, currently being composed in Los Angeles - with nearly half of the soundtrack already completed. Once scoring is finalized, Out for Vengeance will premiere in Amsterdam with a theatrical screening of the motion picture version. Simultaneously, the full eight-episode season will become available for worldwide streaming. The project is currently in the final phase of partnering with the right distributors for global platform release.
Literary Works & Additional Projects In addition to his film work, Salar Zarza is the author of multiple books across genres, including thriller fiction, photography, health and fitness, and productivity. His works are available through Amazon and Bol.com in both English and Dutch editions.
Vision & Philosophy With a strong belief in authenticity, discipline, and independent creative power, Salar Zarza continues to push boundaries in storytelling through True Spirit Entertainment. As an artist and entrepreneur, his work bridges cultures and genres, combining physical intensity with narrative depth, driven by his personal journey and international perspective.
Early Life & Martial Arts Foundation Born in Iran and raised in the Netherlands, Zarza began training in martial arts from a young age, mastering judo, karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. At age 14, he continued his training under Iraj, a legendary fighter pilot and former bodyguard to the last Shah of Persia. This foundation shaped Zarza's distinctive physicality and discipline, which would later define his screen presence in demanding action roles.
Career Timeline In 2008, Zarza joined UK-based production company Modern Life to work on the British action film Ten Dead Men. In 2010, he played a small role in the Dutch thriller Caged, directed by Stephan Brenninkmeijer, which received a theatrical release in the Netherlands followed by international distribution on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD. In 2012, Zarza founded True Spirit Productions, later evolving into True Spirit Entertainment, a production company focused on independent films in the action, drama, and thriller genres. That same year, he worked on the action feature Vigilance as RED Steadicam operator and immediately afterward traveled to Amman, Jordan, to film A Facebook Romance, directed by Dr. Mohydeen Quandour. In A Facebook Romance, Zarza served as both cinematographer and as a principal actor, portraying Waleed Rami, a wealthy Jordanian businessman. He starred opposite Lebanese icon Lamitta Frangieh and Egyptian actor Mohamed Karim. The film was shot in 19 days across multiple locations in Jordan and premiered at the 10th Monaco International Film Festival, where it received six awards, including the Angel Award for Best Cast Ensemble, which included Zarza as one of the honorees.
In 2014, Zarza co-starred with Michel Qissi (known for Kickboxer, Bloodsport, and Lionheart) in BARA (An Eye for an Eye). Shot in the Moroccan Sahara, Zarza played Jaafar, the powerful right hand of the film's lead character. BARA received a warm theatrical reception in Morocco and marked the beginning of a collaboration between Zarza and Qissi on multiple international projects. In 2018, Zarza served as both cinematographer and a lead actor in the international feature film Islamophobia, portraying CIA agent Ali. The film starred veteran Hollywood actor Chris Mulky (Rambo: First Blood) and premiered during the Cannes Film Festival.
2014-2016: Dutch Teaser & Vision Shift Prior to the international expansion of Out for Vengeance, Zarza created an early concept teaser filmed in Dutch. The teaser generated interest and led to an invitation from UPC (later rebranded as Ziggo), who offered a non-exclusive distribution deal. This marked a key turning point: the validation of the concept confirmed to Zarza that he was on the right path. Inspired, he made the strategic decision to rewrite the story in English and reimagine it on a global scale. This became the foundation for what would ultimately become his flagship project.
2016-2018: International Development & Foundation of a Flagship Project Between 2016 and 2018, Salar Zarza shifted his focus toward the independent development of large-scale projects. During this period, he continued to work internationally while laying the creative and structural groundwork for Out for Vengeance. This marked a major evolution in his career from working as an actor and cinematographer on sets worldwide, to stepping into full creative leadership. Zarza independently wrote, developed, and structured the entire first season of Out for Vengeance, crafting over 130 scenes across 8 tightly connected episodes. He led the project from concept through pre- and post-production entirely under the True Spirit Entertainment banner, overseeing all creative elements while simultaneously managing casting, development, and international pre-sales outreach. This phase not only reflected his growth as a filmmaker but also solidified his transition into full authorship of cinematic narratives.
Out for Vengeance - Flagship Project (2016-2025) In 2016, Zarza began production on his most ambitious project to date: the international action-thriller Out for Vengeance. Zarza wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the lead role as Alan Barnas, a Special Forces sergeant who becomes entangled in a cross-border conspiracy involving rival drug cartels, law enforcement, and a deeply personal vendetta. Structured as both a feature film and an eight-episode television series, Out for Vengeance spans over 130 scenes and showcases a cast of more than 40 international actors. The project is notable as the first production in Dutch history to unite over five Hollywood stars in a single feature, alongside well-known Dutch celebrities.
The international cast includes Costas Mandylor (Saw), Robert Maaser (Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation, Ballerina), Silvio Simac (Transporter 3), Richard Burgi (Hostel 2, Desperate Housewives), Christopher Atkins (The Blue Lagoon), Barbara Nedeljakova (Hostel), Ron Smoorenburg (Who Am I), Kim Feenstra, Fajah Lourens, Olympic gold medalist Inge de Bruijn, and Dorien Rose Duinker in the female lead. Action icon Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja) co-directed selected scenes alongside Zarza in Amsterdam. The project wrapped filming in November 2024, with all eight episodes of Season One now picture-locked, color graded, and fully completed in terms of visual effects. The only remaining element is the score, currently being composed in Los Angeles - with nearly half of the soundtrack already completed. Once scoring is finalized, Out for Vengeance will premiere in Amsterdam with a theatrical screening of the motion picture version. Simultaneously, the full eight-episode season will become available for worldwide streaming. The project is currently in the final phase of partnering with the right distributors for global platform release.
Literary Works & Additional Projects In addition to his film work, Salar Zarza is the author of multiple books across genres, including thriller fiction, photography, health and fitness, and productivity. His works are available through Amazon and Bol.com in both English and Dutch editions.
Vision & Philosophy With a strong belief in authenticity, discipline, and independent creative power, Salar Zarza continues to push boundaries in storytelling through True Spirit Entertainment. As an artist and entrepreneur, his work bridges cultures and genres, combining physical intensity with narrative depth, driven by his personal journey and international perspective.
