American Wrestler: The Wizard Premiere, LA

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Affair: American Wrestler: The Wizard Premiere

When: Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Hot Spot: Los Angeles, CA

Deets: The Wizard is based on a true story of a teen who escapes during the Iranian revolution in 1979 with only his life, immigrates to North California, faces racism, bullying and general American hostility due to the American hostage crisis in Iran. Against the odds, and surpassing the community's expectations, Ali succeeds in becoming a State Wrestling Champion.

The Wizard, stars George Kosturos in his first leading film role as the 17-year-old Iranian immigrant, Ali Jahani. The ensemble also features Ali Afshar (on whose personal experiences and family history the film draws from) as Ali’s uncle, Hafez Tabad, William Fichtner (Independence Day: Resurgence) as Coach Plyler, and Academy Award winner Jon Voight (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) as Principal Skinner.

Completing the ensemble are newcomers Lia Marie Johnson (T@gged) as Kristi Larson, a fellow 3 student who befriends Ali, Chase Mowen (Grace) as high school football star Mike Thornhill, Gabriel Basso (Super 8) and Sasha Feldman (Million Dollar Quartet) as wrestling teammates Jimmy Peterson and Dan 'Toad' Webster, and Kevin G. Schmidt (The Young and the Restless) as Ali’s formidable wrestling opponent, Knox.

Inspired by Ali Afshar’s high school experiences in Petaluma, California, American Wrestler: The Wizard is written by Brian Rudnick (Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness) and Ali Afshar (Born to Race), and directed by Alex Ranarivelo (Born to Race). Completing Ranarivelo’s production team are: director of photography Reuben Steinberg (Born to Race), production designer Rob Riutta (Fall Steady), casting director Brittani Smith, costume designer Cami Nemanich (Hitting the Breaks) and editor Brett Hedlund (Born to Race), with music by Jamie Christopherson (Born to Race). The film is produced by Ali Afshar, Hadeel Reda and co-producer, Ashley Michaelsen. The film’s executive producer is Forrest Lucas

Who You May Spot: Ali Afshar, William Fichtner, Jon Voight

Hint For The Average Socialite: This is strictly invite only.

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In select cinemas May 3, 2017.

What's Trending: #AmericanWrestler #JonVoight