Podtalk: Writer/Director Waheed AlQawasmi for Now Streaming ‘Jacir’

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CHICAGO – As new cinema voices emerge, writer/director Waheed AlQawasmi takes us on a journey through his hometown streets of Memphis in the Syrian immigrant drama “Jacir.” The film, featuring newcomer Malek Rahbani as the title character and Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos”) in a different type of role for her, will be available to stream beginning May 5th, 2023.

Jacir (Malek Rahbani) is a victim of the warring in Syria, escaping to Memphis and working at a Mideastern restaurant. He lives in a rundown side of town next to a pill addicted woman named Meryl (Lorraine Bracco), who is suspicious of Jacir and subscribes to right wing condemnations of his otherness. Jacir is a kind man, who keeps helping Meryl despite her attitude, but still gets hassled by local immigration, which results in flashbacks to the most horrible moments in his homeland.

’Jacir’ Available to Stream on May 5th, 2023
Photo credit: WaFilms

Waheed AlQawasmi is an Emmy Award winning director and producer. He has created content for clients including GoDaddy, Cheerios, Reba McEntire, Zappos, and many more. During his tenure with the FOX Network, he served as Creative Director, launching promotional campaigns for TV shows such as “The Following” and “New Girl.” Waheed AlQawasmi previously directed a documentary entitled “Lives Restarted,” and “Jacir” is his narrative film debut.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, writer/director Waheed AlQawasmi of “Jacir” provides background to the film …

In a video segment. Waheed gives the pitch …

CLICK HERE for a audio film review of “Jacir” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com