In this inspiring tale, 17-year-old Ali Jahani comes to live with his cynical uncle in a California town. Because Ali is different, he’s met by a very unwelcoming community, and faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. Spurned by everybody and determined to fit in, Ali signs up for his high school’s losing wrestling team. With the hope of changing the way people perceive him, the young man must meet a number of challenges, not the least of which is to become a hero.
“American Wrestler: The Wizard,” the heart-warming coming-of-age story set in the world of competitive wrestling, arrives digitally May 16th and on DVD May 23rd from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Based on true events, the film stars Academy Award-winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” TV’s “Ray Donovan”), William Fichtner (TV’s “Mom”), Ali Afshar (“Three Kings”), and George Kosturos (the upcoming “Ride”).
The film also stars Lia Marie Johnson (“The Thinning”), Gabriel Basso (“Super 8”), Kevin G. Schmidt (“Princess Protection Program”), Sasha Feldman (TV’s “Sun Records”), and Chase Mowen (“Grace”). “American Wrestler: The Wizard” is directed by Alex Ranarivelo (“Born 2 Race”), and produced by ESX Entertainment’s Hadeel Reda and Ali Afshar. The story is by Ali Afshar and Brian Rudnick and is written by Rudnick (“Running Wild”). Forrest Lucas of Forrest Films serves as Executive Producer.
The film, which had a limited theatrical engagement on May 3rd through Fathom events, has been touted at various film festivals with awards including Winner Best Picture, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Screenplay and Best Breakout Performance – Boston Film Festival; Winner Audience Award for Best Picture – Austin Film Festival; Winner Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking, Best Actor – Newport Beach Film Festival; and Audience Award for Best Film, Audience Award for Best Actor, Winner Best Actor – Napa Valley Film Festival.
On May 16th, “American Wrestler: The Wizard” will be available to own for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Fandango Now, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox, and others. On May 23rd, “American Wrestler: The Wizard” will be available on DVD for $18.94 SRP and also digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
Radiant Films International handles international rights to the film.
Special Features:
- Revisiting the Past – The filmmakers and cast share the experience of returning to Petaluma, CA to bring Ali Afshar’s inspiring story to life
- Script to Screen – Ali Afshar reveals the roots of his family’s story and the inspiration behind the film’s screenplay
- Behind the Scenes – The filmmakers and cast share their fond memories and challenging experiences making American Wrestler: The Wizard
- American Wrestler: American Dream – Celebrate the real American hopes and dreams with the cast of American Wrestler: The Wizard
- “Rise” music video – Andy Madadian and Shani Rigsbee music video
Available on Digital HD May 16th and on DVD May 23rd
