The only place they belong is together.
Rousing, smart, and sweet, Amira & Sam is a confident feature debut from writer-director Sean Mullin, and follows Sam (Martin Starr, “Freaks & Geeks”, “Silicon Valley”), an army veteran adapting back to civilian life after a lengthy tour overseas. Upon reuniting with his unit’s former Iraqi translator in New York City, he meets Amira (newcomer Dina Shihabi), his war buddy’s niece; suspicious of soldiers, she wants nothing to do with him. However, when Amira runs into immigration trouble, Sam offers to keep her safe at his apartment. After a rocky start, their unlikely friendship starts to blossom into something more. Meanwhile, Sam’s cousin Charlie (Paul Wesley, Before I Disappear, “The Vampire Diaries”) offers him a lucrative opportunity at his hedge fund, helping to secure wealthy veterans as new clients. However, all is not as it seems, and Amira and Sam soon find themselves faced with mounting obstacles in order to stay together.
Written & Directed by SEAN MULLIN, the film features MARTIN STARR (Silicon Valley; Freaks & Geeks), DINA SHIHABI, PAUL WESLEY (The Vampire Diaries), and LAITH NAKLI (The Visitor).
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
While most “soldier-coming-home-from-war” films deal with a soldier battling PTSD, I wanted to flip that well-worn premise on its head to ask: what if the solider who returns is fine, but it’s his country that’s lost its mind? America was built on the backs of Immigrants and protected by the courage of Veterans – yet both of these groups have grown increasingly marginalized in today’s society. I felt like the best way for me to explore such big, complex issues in the context of a small, independent film was to create an intimate love story with universal implications.
“Authentic and satisfying. The chemistry is just right.”
— The Hollywood Reporter
“Thoughtful and perceptive. It certainly charmed me.”
— Filmmaker Magazine
“Ambitious and spirited. Under writer-director Sean Mullin, everything clicks.”
— The Seattle Times
