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Exclusive: Scott Adkins and Trace Adkins are joining the Esx Entertainment western Day of Reckoning, which stars Billy Zane, Zach Roerig and Cara Jade Myers. Shaun Silva of TackleBox Films is directing.

The Ali Afshar production follows put-upon lawman John Dorsey (Roerig), who is on the verge of losing his wife and his job as sheriff and posses up with bullish U.S. Marshal Butch Hayden (Zane) to hold outlaw Emily Rouse (Myers) hostage. A battle of wills ensues as Emily turns the posse on themselves, but as her marauding husband and his gang approach, Emily and John realize they will need each other to survive.

Scott Adkins recently just wrapped Joe Carnahan’s Netflix feature film Rip opposite Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. He recently starred in Lionsgate’s Killer’s Game opposite Dave Bautista and Sofia Boutella. Scott Adkins can also be seen in Netflix’s action-comedy Day Shift opposite Jamie Foxx,...

Exclusive: Ali Afshar’s Esx Entertainment has set the western Day of Reckoning starring Billy Zane, Zach Roerig and Cara Jade Myers.

Pic follows put-upon lawman John Dorsey (Roerig), who on the verge of losing his wife and his job as sheriff, posses up with a bullish U.S. Marshall Butch Hayden (Zane) to hold outlaw Emily Rouse (Myers) hostage. A battle of wills ensues as Emily turns the posse on themselves, but as her marauding husband and his gang approach, Emily and John realize they will need each other to survive.

Shaun Silva of TackleBox Films is directing.

Producers of the movie are Ali Afshar, Christina Moore Daniel Aspromonte, and Don Lepore (Ride, Billy Joel – The Last Play at Shea, Emmy nominated The Irrelevant Giant.

Formed in 1965, the rock band Scorpions is still going strong nearly sixty years later, and they have brought us some awesome hits over the decades, including “The Zoo,” “No One Like You,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Big City Nights,” and “Still Loving You,” among others – and now they’re getting the biopic treatment, with the film taking the title of their 1991 global hit single Wind of Change.

Alex Ranarivelo (American Wrestler: The Wizard) will be directing the film, which is being developed and produced by Ali Afshar’s Esx Entertainment. The story will follow three unlikely friends whose passion for rock n’ roll fueled their rise from the ashes of post-World War II Germany to the global stardom in the 1980s as the multi-platinum rock band Scorpions. With their home soil still divided, and friends and family on the other side of the Berlin Wall, Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine...

The Night Agent season 1 on Netflix was a major success and received positive feedback from viewers due to its well-established and talented cast, including Gabriel Basso, Lucine Buchanan, and Hong Chau. The main and minor characters in The Night Agent are fully fleshed out and displayed depth, making them feel relatable and emotionally invested in their fates. Season 2 of The Night Agent will introduce new characters, but it will be difficult to surpass the performances of the actors in the first season.

Netflix’s The Night Agent includes a star-packed cast that brings FBI agents, assassins, politicians, and high-ranking business people to the screen. Based on the eponymous novel by Matthew Quirk, The Night Agent follows Peter Sutherland, an entry-level FBI agent who’s stuck answering calls in the basement of the White House. This changes quickly when Rose Larkin calls the hotline after an assassination attempt. This opens the...

Martial arts movies are often enhanced by the inclusion of a tournament, raising the stakes and adding to the viewing experience. The quality of martial arts movies can vary greatly, but many of the better ones benefit from the tournament factor. The inclusion of a tournament in martial arts movies is a frequent and popular trope that continues to captivate audiences.

One thing that makes nearly any martial arts movie better is the inclusion of a tournament. With competitive achievement on the line, the stakes are raised, and the hope that a protagonist can emerge victorious further contributes to the viewing experience. That idea applies whether it's karate, kickboxing, Thai boxing, mixed martial arts, or an event that allows any style.

Martial arts movies can also vary wildly in terms of quality. They can range from cheesy train wrecks with lousy acting and little or no plot to inspiring, atmospheric masterpieces with excellent performances.

To celebrate its century-long run as one of Hollywood's biggest movie studios, Warner Bros. is releasing 20-minute-long remakes of six of its most classic films. The company, which is now called Warner Bros. Discovery after a merger with Discovery, Inc., plans on developing the short film series through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team and stated that the series will reimagine these stories through "representative casting, storytelling, and narrative."

The six films on the slate are the recently remade "A Star is Born," the swashbuckling "The Adventures of Robin Hood," the Western "Calamity Jane," the Abbott and Costello comedy "Jack and the Beanstalk," the much-adapted "The Prince and the Pauper," and the James Dean drama "Rebel Without a Cause." Production is slated to begin this summer, with Ali Afshar ("American Wrestler: The Wizard" and a whole slew of Christmas-related material) serving as consulting producer. "We can't think of a better...

As part of its ongoing celebration of the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studios, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has commissioned short film adaptations of six classic movies from its vault.

These 20-minute shorts, which will be available to stream on Max later this year, will update the films through today’s more diverse and inclusive understanding of the world, with what Wbd’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team calls “representative casting, storytelling and narrative.”

Six filmmakers have already been chosen by a committee that includes Wbd senior vp Dei in North America Karen Horne alongside individuals from Warner Bros. Pictures, Visual Communications, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Urban World, Sundance Indigenous Lab, Outfest and ReelAbilities Film Fest. The filmmakers, who will receive a budget through which they can derive their own compensation, will begin production this summer and be mentored by a group of established producers and directors,...

Gabriel Basso is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in Hillbilly Elegy (2020) and The Night Agent.

Gabriel Basso Biography: Early Life, Age, Family, Education

Gabriel Basso was born on December 11, 1994 (Gabriel Basso: Age 28) in St. Louis, Missouri to Marcie and Louis Basso Jr. He was homeschooled with his sisters, Alexandria and Annalise Basso.

Gabriel Basso Biography: Career

Basso’s first acting roles were in the 2007 movies Meet Bill and Alice Upside Down, although he went uncredited. His first credited role was in Alabama Moon in 2009. Some of his other movie credits include Super 8 (2011), The Kings of Summer (2013), The Hive (2014), Barely Lethal (2015), American Wrestler: The Wizard (2016) and Hillbilly Elegy (2020).

In Hillbilly Elegy, Basso starred as J.D. Vance as he looks back on his troubled childhood in Middletown, Ohio. As a child, J.D. and his sister Lindsay (Haley Bennett) lived with his grandmother, Mamaw (Glenn Close), as...

For quite some time now, Christmas has come every day for Ali Afshar.

The actor, producer and former race car driver is founder and president of Esx Entertainment, a prolific indie film and TV production company that’s made its name in recent years pumping Yuletide content to streamers amid the pandemic.

The projects are modestly budgeted and shot efficiently and safely, mostly due to Afshar’s commandeering of his hometown — a sleepy Sonoma County village called Petaluma, where he built a soundstage from a converted barn and mines below-the-line crew from local residents. Titles include Netflix’s “A California Christmas” and its sequel “City Lights,” and the HBO Max originals “A Christmas Mystery,” “A Hollywood Christmas” and “Holiday Harmony.”

Afshar’s well-oiled Christmas machine functions at such a level that, during a recent conversation with Variety, he revealed he was in the middle of shooting another film — “A Wine Country Christmas.

Stars: Bryan Craig, Tommy Flanagan, Sean Patrick Flannery, George Kosturos, Allison Paige | Written by Carl Morris, Shaun Piccinino | Directed by Shaun Piccinino

[Note: With the film finally debuting in the UK next week, here’s a reposting of our review of American Fighter from its screening at last years Fantasia Festival]

A fictional sequel to an semi-autobiographical original, American Fighter is an interesting proposition for a film and, at least in cinematic terms, shares a lot in common with the classic martial arts film Bloodsport – both deal with underground fighting and both have a connection to the real-life tales of their characters. In this case George Kosturos plays the alter-ego of producer Ali Afshar – whose story of moving from Iran to America and fitting in by becoming a top-class athlete was told in the 2016 film American Wrestler.

American Fighter picks up where that film left off, once again following Ali Jahani (George Kosturos) as he tries to raise funds to get his mother out of Tehran after his father...

The ranks of theatrical distributors will grow by one in 2019 with the establishment of Forrest Films, a venture fronted by Lucas Oil founder Forrest Lucas and race car driver-turned-actor/producer Ali Afshar.

Forrest will be based on the Warner Bros lot and plans to release seven “high-end, commercial films telling inspiring and purpose driven stories” in its first year of operations.

Scott Kennedy, a veteran of Open Road Films, Miramax and MGM, has been tapped as president of worldwide marketing and distribution. As head of operations and distribution for Open Road, Kennedy handled the rollouts of films like Spotlight, Chef and End of Watch. Open Road went into bankruptcy and was bought in November by Raven Capital Management.

The new company will absorb Esx Productions, the production and financing banner established in 2015 by Lucas and Afshar. Actress and producer Christina Moore, who has produced seven films with Afshar and Lucas,...

Former Open Road executive Scott Kennedy to oversee seven-film 2019 release slate.

American businessman Forrest Lucas and racing driver turned film producer Ali Afshar, founders of production and financing company Esx Productions, are launching a Us theatrical distribution operation.

Under a new Forrest Films banner, the operation plans to release seven films in 2019. Former Open Road Films executive Scott Kennedy has been named the new banner’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution. Kennedy will also oversee the international sales agents that will be appointed to handle foreign sales on the films.

Esx, whose productions have included American Wrestler: The Wizard and DVD premiere Dirt,...

Former Open Road executive Scott Kennedy to oversee seven-film 2019 release slate.

American businessman Forrest Lucas and racing driver turned film producer Ali Afshar, founders of production and financing company Esx Productions, are launching a Us theatrical distribution operation.

Under a new Forrest Films banner, the operation plans to release seven films in 2019. Former Open Road Films executive Scott Kennedy has been named the new banner’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution. Kennedy will also oversee the international sales agents that will be appointed to handle foreign sales on the films.

Esx, whose productions have included American Wrestler: The Wizard and DVD premiere Dirt,...

William Fichtner & Ali Afshar on ‘American… by Uinterview Will there ever not be a need for movies to remind us that it doesn’t matter where we come from or what we are, but only who we are? William Fichtner, who plays Coach Plyer in American Wrestler: The Wizard, says, ‘no.’ “I think you can […]

Source: uInterview

The post William Fichtner & Ali Afshar Talk ‘American Wrestler,’ Muslim Immigration Ban [Video Exclusive] appeared first on uInterview.

Film festival favorite “American Wrestler: The Wizard” comes to movie theaters nationwide for cinematic debut on May 3 only. Based on true events, the heartwarming coming of age story is set in a world of competitive high school wrestling, starring William Fichtner, Jon Voight and introducing newcomer George Kosturos.

This special presentation will include exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the filmmaker and cast, speaking to the real-life story and inspiration behind the film, along with never-before-released footage. Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment present this feature in cinemas for one night on Wednesday, May 3 at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. local time.

Tickets for “American Wrestler: The Wizard” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 130 select movie theaters. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website.

11th Gasparilla International Film Festival to Screen 35 Features Including J.K. Simmons’ ‘All Nighter’“All Nighter”

The 11th edition of Tampa’s most prominent film event, Suncoast Credit Union’s Gasparilla International Film Festival (Giff), will take place March 2-March 9, 2017 at the Tampa Theater and AMC Centro Ybor. Gavin Wiesen’s “All Nighter,” starring Academy Award-winner J. K. Simmons will have its World Premiere as part of the festival.

A total of 35 films and over 70 shorts will screen over eight days and will include international and regional premieres of narrative features, documentaries and short films from around the world. In addition to the film program, Giff will also feature master classes and panel discussions.

The title sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union, has been committed to the festival for three consecutive years with the goal of bringing quality entertainment and enrichment to the community. The Suncoast Credit Union also sponsors the Family Fun...

Suncoast Credit Union Gasparilla International Film Festival (Giff) announced its official selection for the annual event held at the Tampa Theater and AMC Centro Ybor in Tampa, Florida, from March 2-March 9.

The festival will host the world premiere for All Nighter starring Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons and directed by Gavin Wiesen.

There will be 35 films and over 70 shorts, in which it will host international and regional premieres of narrative features, documentaries and short films around the world.

Here are the highlighted line up of the films:

Opening Night Film:

Burn Your Maps: A nine-year-old boy, grieving with his parents over the recent loss of his baby sister, becomes obsessed with the idea that he’s a Mongolian goat herder who belongs back home in his small village in Mongolia. Cast: Vera Farmiga, Jacob Tremblay, Virginia Madsen, Suraj Sharma. Directed by Jordan Roberts

Closing Night Film:

Unleashed: When...

“Running Wild” follows the story of Stella Davis (Dorian Brown Pham), a beautiful young woman whose husband dies in a car accident. After becoming a widow, Stella saves her ranch by working with a group of convicts. Watch an exclusive clip below.

Read More: An Unlikely Hero Is Tasked With Preventing Iran From Going Nuclear in ‘Patriot’ – Trailer

The clip shows the moment Stella meets the group that will help her save her ranch. Their crimes range from tax evasion and online fraud to possession of firearms, vehicular homicide and grand larceny. While working with these convicts, Stella finds herself facing prejudice, greed and bureaucracy.

The cast includes Sharon Stone (“Basic Instinct”), Tommy Flanagan (“Gladiator”), Jason Lewis (“Sex in the City”), and Tom Williamson (“All Cheerleaders Die”). Flanagan plays the leader of the convicts, and Stone is the villain of the story.

Read More: Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning Turn on...

A teen refugee from Iran finds that athletic-based school pride can (eventually) trump prejudice in American Wrestler: The Wizard, a cumbersomely named coming-of-age pic by Alex Ranarivelo. Based on the experiences of producer Ali Afshar, who here plays the uncle who helped young Ali adjust to American life, the film adds Reagan-era Islamophobia to a wholly conventional sports film; though it's only a middling example of its genre, these themes may help the movie win over some viewers who are especially sensitive to the treatment of immigrants in the age of Trump.

Young Ali (George Kosturos) is a hustler in...

Sp Releasing and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Running Wild in select theaters and On Demand February 10, 2017.

Running Wild tells the story of a young widow trying to save her ranch following her husband’s fatal car crash. She creates a convict rehabilitation program, working with a herd of wild horses that have wandered onto her property. She did not anticipate the greed, bureaucracy and vanity that she must overcome to heal the convicts, the horses and ultimately herself.

Check out the trailer:

Running Wild stars Sharon Stone (Casino, Basic Instinct), Tommy Flanagan (FX’s “Sons of Anarchy,” Gladiator), Jason Lewis (NBC’s “Midnight, Texas,” HBO’s “Sex and the City”), Dorian Brown Pham (FX’s “Wilfred,” Home Run), and Tom Williamson (Freeform’s “The Fosters,” All Cheerleaders Die). The film is directed by Alex Ranarivelo (American Wrestler: The Wizard) and written by multi-hyphenate Christina Moore (Pray for Rain,...

Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column. Check out last week’s Roundup right here.

Openers, Closers and Other Additions

– The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced the films that will play in the Special Screenings section of AFI Fest 2016 presented by Audi, which includes three World Premieres and four additional highly anticipated films.

The World Premiere of the CG-animated film “Moana” will play in the Special Screenings section, along with “Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds” and “Toni Erdmann.” Also bowing as Special Screenings will be the World Premieres of “Miss Sloane” and, as previously announced, “The Comedian.”

AFI Fest has also added Pablo Larrain’s lauded “Jackie,” starring Natalie Portman, as a Centerpiece Gala.

– The Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that “American Pastoral,” the directorial debut of Perthshire-born Ewan McGregor will have a special Edinburgh International Film Festival Gala at the Filmhouse,...

Exclusive: Mimi Steinbauer and her team will introduce buyers in Cannes to the coming-of-age film starring William Fichtner, Jon Voight, Gabriel Basso, Lia Marie Johnson and newcomer George Kosturos.

Alex Ranarivelo directed American Wrestler: The Wizard, which will screen in the Cannes market on May 17 and recently premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Brian Rudnick wrote the screenplay inspired by true events of high school wrestling champion Ali Afshar, who is featured in the film and is a producer alongside Hadeel Reda.

Forrest Lucas and Protect The Harvest serve as executive producers and Ashley Michaelsen is a co-producer.

Kosturos stars as Afshar, an outcast teenage immigrant sent to live with his uncle in the small Northern California town of Petaluma where he joins the floundering high school wrestling team.

He teams up with the inspiring coach and leads the team to success.

“It’s amazing what young kids can do when they put their minds to it,” said...

Claire Carré’s Embers scooped best feature film in the juried awards as the southern California festival came to an end.

Carré was also named best director, while George Kosuros won best actor for American Wrestler: The Lizard. Best documentary went to Off The Rails by Adam Irving.

In the audience awards, Jeremy Profe’s The Lennon Report and Jesse Shapiro’s Nobody Walks In La took the feature film prize.

Zack Bennett and Kevin Schlanser prevailed in the documentary category for The Ataxian, while Dmitry Meskhiev’s Battalion (Russia) was named best foreign film.

The Outstanding achievement in filmmaking: feature film award went to Alex Ranarivelo for American Wrestler: The Wizard, and The Violin Teacher director Sergio Machado and The Innocents director Anne Fontaine collected the corresponding prize for foreign film.

Bob Yari took the directing honours for Papa: Hemingway In Cuba, while Dev Patel and Evanna Lynch were named best actors for The Man Who Knew Infinity and My Name Is Emily...

The founder and owner of Lucas Oil Products, cable network Mavtv, Lucas Cattle Company and the naming rights to the Indianapolis Colts’ Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium has teamed on the entertainment venture with the professional racecar driver, actor and producer.

Esx Entertainment will develop, package, finance and produce a slate of high-end, star-driven commercial projects telling “inspiring and purpose-driven stories.”

The company is supported by a media fund backed by Lucas and under the stewardship of Afshar will get involved in three to six film, TV and digital projects a year of varying budgets. Esx will also put up P&A.

Esx Entertainment will be the parent company for a family of film, television and digital labels. Afshar’s pre-existing Esx Productions will fold into the company with a feature film slate that includes the upcoming social issue drama The Wrong Side Of Right and coming-of-age story The Wizard with Jon Voight, William Fichtner, [link...