Monday, March 10, 2014

Said Faraj at the Oscars 2014

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/

Attending the Red Carpet of the 2014 Oscars Live at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on March 2nd 2014.

A dream that he had since he came to this country in 1983 and it came true.

He said "I said that in 5 years I will be nominated for the Oscars and this just a taste for what is coming for me next year".




Monday, December 30, 2013

2013 WAS THE YEAR FOR THE AMERICAN FAILURE


WHAT A YEAR IT WAS 2013 FOR THE SHORT FILM

  "THE AMERICAN FAILURE"
Said Faraj as Carlos Elias
The American Failure had won :

CineRokom International Film Festival Dimond Best Picture (Top Award)
CineRokom International Film Festival Ruby Best Actor
CineRokom International Film Festival Ruby Best Director

New York International Film Festival (Los Angeles Edition) won best Director/Co Director 



http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/

Thursday, December 19, 2013

What's next for The American Failure in 2014?


Press Release:

written By
:
Phone
:
717.736.9823


Said Faraj’s The American Failure selected for screening and also Nomination at the Borrego Springs Film Festival (CA) on Fri, Jan 24th 2014
(Hollywood, CA) – Following a successful year of top Award Wins, multiple Nominations, and even its premiere at the prominent Cannes International Film Festival, the film "The American Failure starts the New Year with its selection for screening at the Borrego Springs Film Festival in Borrego Springs, CA. The film, which stars Actor, Producer and Director Said Faraj (who also co-directed and co-wrote it), will be screened on Friday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center located at 590 Palm Canyon Drive. The American Failure follows L.A. attorney Carlos Elias (portrayed by Faraj) as a tormented man who is on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. The short film illustrates a man torn by his own conscience and in his desire to live the high life. It also Hakeen Kae-Kazim, Dan Thiel, Adrienne Wilkinson and Chriss Anglin. Director and actress Ameenah Kaplan (widely known for her recurring role in NBC’s The Office as Val, the love interest of Darryl (played by Craig Robinson) also shares co-directing credit with Faraj. In 2013, The American Failure took home several top awards for Best Director and Best Actor for Said Faraj, who has appeared in some of the most memorable films of our day, including: Green Zone; The Siege; Bad Influence; and many others. TV credits include: NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; and more. The American Failure marks his directorial debut. The Borrego Springs Film Festival is slated for January 23-26, 2014, with The American Failure scheduled on Friday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center located at 590 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, California. For more information, log on to:




 
 
 
http://www.borregospringschamber.com/filmfestival/

You can see The American Failure’s official trailer at:

Said Faraj IMDB Link:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Award Winner Celiberty Said Faraj Attend LAFEST





Last night the Star of Green Zone and The American Failure Award Winner Said Faraj attend the LAFFEST celebrating comedy this Holiday season with a special ‘LAFFEST X-Mas Red Carpet Party’ with proceeds benefitting Wounded Warrior Project held at The World Famous Comedy Store, 8344 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood










http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/

Photo By: Dan Panno

Director of the PAST Asghar Farhadi get interviwed by Celebrity Said Faraj


Press Release

An Interview between Celebrity Said Faraj and Director Asghar Farhadi


The Film opens in Theater this Friday December 20, 2013
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
 Present
Why you didn’t put music in your film accept at the end credit?
Not having music in the film was I choice I decide to take because I wanted the audience to feel the real emotion and to let them get engage in the real story how it real feel in the outside world. The Film
doesn’t need it but I add it at the end not to extenuate but the make you think about what happen throw the whole film.
What was the film inspired from?
It was a friend of mine was going throw similar situation where he needed to come back and get a divorce and it was while ego (smiling) but he didn’t end up what I have in the film my friend situation is
better.
After winning the Oscar how did the Iranian people react?
Well the people welcome me and were very happy but not much the Government.
How was working with Kids?
It was as hard as working with adults we had several months to prepare for it so I was directing them on
not what is going in the scene for example: your mom is dying and now you need to act this way but
instead of the whole story line and what is happening emotionally over all.
Why you decided to show a different side of France Paris not the romantic but the dark side of it?
Well I could have taken the safe choice the Hollywood style if what Paris is about but I wanted to show
the real side if it if you go out of Paris where all the glamour you will see a different side of it as you saw
in the film.
There were any changes in the film screenplay from the end of the way the film put on screen?
Well there were before but soon before the shooting day start nothing change just the emotion in some
it did.
It seems your Characters do have negative attitude why is that?
Well when I write about each Character I look at their flows instead not there negative outlook.
It seems you left the ending open to the audience choice why was that?
Well the ending was very complicated as the film itself so I wanted to play with the audience mind and
let them talk about it after they get out of the theater.
Do you depend on the looks of the characters to match since they are a family or the Acting?
Actually both you have to have both so when you audition you need to take that in concideration.

Celebrity Said Faraj and SAG Awards Publicist Rosalind Jarrett Sepulveda Attend WIN Awards!

SAG Awards Publicist Rosalind Jarrett  Sepulveda and Celebrity Said Faraj attend the WIN Awards (WOMEN'S IMAGE AWARDS) on December 11, 2013 at Santa Monica Bay Womans Club California. Rosalind was Honored for Special Achievement Award. It was a Night full of Entertainment one of the High light of the evening were the musical Guest Duet David Foster on the the Piano who has won 16 Grammy Awards and Singer Tuben Studdard who's known for winning second Season of American Idol.




Saturday, November 23, 2013

The American Failure wins triple Awards at the CineRokom International Film Festival!!!!


Press Release


(Beverly Hills) The award-winning short film The American Failure, starring award-winning actor Said Faraj.

The American Failure follows L.A. attorney Carlos Elias, who finds himself on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. It was also produced and co-written by Faraj.
The film wins Triple Awards at: the CineRokom International Film Festival (Diamond Best Picture—Top Award, Ruby Best Actor, and Ruby Best Director);
Also won at the New York International Film Festival—Los Angeles Edition (Best Director/Co Director); Saraseto International Film Festival (Best Picture); Action On Film International Film Festival (Best Actor in a Short Film); and WAB / WITHOUTABOX AWARD (Best Performance Actor in a Short or Feature Male or Female).
Said Faraj’s work can be seen in acclaimed films, including: Green Zone (Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear); The Siege (Denzel Washington, Annette Bening); Bad Influence (Rob Lowe, James Spader); True Romance (Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette); and others. TV appearances include the popular TV series: NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; and more.

To see the film’s official trailer, log onto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB9pDK-g2NM
For more information on Said Faraj, log onto his IMDb page at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/


Source
:
J Blair Brown Consulting
Phone
:
717.736.9823

Award-winning film The American Failure slated to screen at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival


PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Said Faraj Email: said.faraj@hotmail.com
Award-winning film The American Failure slated to screen at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – The award-winning short film The American Failure, starring award-winning actor Said Faraj, screening at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Cinema Paradiso – Hollywood, on Saturday, Nov. 9th at 3:30pm, and it's nominated for the Best Short competition (22min).
The American Failure follows L.A. attorney Carlos Elias, who finds himself on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. It was also produced and co-written by Faraj.
The film has already won awards at: the CineRokom International Film Festival (Diamond Best Picture—Top Award, Ruby Best Actor, and Ruby Best Director); New York International Film Festival—Los Angeles Edition (Best Director/Co Director); Saraseto International Film Festival (Best Picture); Action On Film International Film Festival (Best Actor in a Short Film); and WAB / WITHOUTABOX AWARD (Best Performance Actor in a Short or Feature Male or Female).
Said Faraj’s work can be seen in acclaimed films, including: Green Zone (Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear); The Siege (Denzel Washington, Annette Bening); Bad Influence (Rob Lowe, James Spader); True Romance (Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette); and others. TV appearances include the popular TV series: NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; and more.

To see the film’s official trailer, log onto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB9pDK-g2NM
For more information on Said Faraj, log onto his IMDb page at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/

Friday, November 22, 2013

Int'l actor Said Faraj (Green Zone) selects L.A.-based Media Artists Group as agency

 2013 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- International actor Said Faraj has chosen L.A.-based Media Artists Group as his official agency of record. Media Artists Group represents actors and artists alike, including: Raymond Cruz, DMX. Vivica A. Fox, Rick Ross, Salt-N-Pepa, and a host of others.

Regarding his decision to select Media Artists Group which also they have a East Coast Office, Faraj says, “I'm happy to be represented by a firm with such rich history and a solid reputation as Media Artists Group. With Sheila Legette and her partner LyNea Bell I look forward to working and growing to the next level.

slegette@mediaartistsgroup.com 
lbell@mediaartistsgroup.com
1-323-658-5050
 “Won Best Actor Award for Short Films ‘The American Failure’ at the AOF International Film Festival 2013”
 “Won Best Actor Award for Short or Feature Male or Female Films at the AOF International Film Festival 2013”
“Won Best Actor Award ‘The American Failure’ at the CineRokom International Film Festival 2013”
 “Universal Pictures submitted Said Faraj to the 42nd NAACP Image Awards 2010 for the Supporting Actor Category for his role in Green Zone”
An accomplished International Actor, Producer & Director with more than 26 years in the industry, delivers a dynamic, breakthrough performance in the film Green Zone, co-starring Matt Damon, Amy Ryan and Greg Kinnear. Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93)
A seasoned actor with an intensity that always makes an impact onscreen, Faraj has been cast in some of the most monumental films of our generation – his credits include Ghost, Bad Influence, True Romance and The Siege among many others.  He has also starred in recurring roles on television’s top-rated shows such as 24 and The Shield.  Most recently, Faraj appeared as a guest star on NCIS:LA, Bones and The Unit.  He has also worked with a virtual who's who of talented directors, including Tony Scott, Ed Zwick, Curtis Hanson, Sam Raimi and Jerry Zucker.
                                        
As a Producer, Faraj is proud to have his first film “The American Failure” accepted to the FESTIVAL DE CANNES 2013 to be produced by his company Cedar Films llc. Also producer in these up-coming projects: Alongside Night, Cross Purpose, Yefon & Then the night Comes . 

"The American Failure" was his first Co-Directing experience.
MEDIA QUOTES
"Said Faraj delivers a brilliant performance in Green Zone," "He brings his character to life with compelling authenticity. I've spent a lot of time with former Iraqi army officers," "Said's portrayal of Hamza is spot-on.“ Rajiv Chandrasekaran author of Imperial Life in the Emerald City, The award-winning book that inspired the film. Senior Correspondent and Associate Editor The Washington Post.
 “While director Paul Greengrass uses his shaky cam to create a sense of grit and authenticity to Green Zone. But of all the actors working on Green Zone the one who not only gave it a verisimilitude, but also had a personal story right out of the citizenry of any war-torn middle eastern city was Said Faraj -- who played Seyyed Hamza, his exchanges between his character and Damon's show a degree of pain and urgency that really drives their scenes home. As the person with the key that leads to the general who unlocks Miller's anger about the nonexistent WMDs, the film arc pivots around some of their scenes”. Brad Balfour, Editor in Chief, Editorial Director, CEO Huffington Post.
“I wanted to say to you a very great heartfelt and personal thank you. I think your performance was really superb, really accurate and thoughtful and truthful and as important, I thought you were a great Ambassador for the film, and a joy to work with from first day to last...So thank you said from the bottom of my heart”. Paul Greengrass, Green Zone Director


Actor Said Faraj’s film "The American Failure" Wins at the Int'l Movieville Film Festival





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"The American Failure" Wins Again!!!!




 Sep. 17, 2013 - SARASOTA, Fla. -- The American Failure, starring award-winning actor Said Faraj, win  at the Movieville International Film Festival in Sarasota, FL on Sunday, Sept 24nd



Faraj, who also produced co-direct and co-wrote the film, recently won two Best Actor awards for his portrayal as L.A. attorney Carlos Elias, a man who finds himself on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. The film offers an interesting twist in its last two minutes – one the audience never sees coming. 
Said Faraj is no stranger to surprise endings. Having cmerica from war-torn Lebanon more than a 
quarter century ago, he is often pleasantly surprised by the impressive roster of talent he’s been privy to work alongside. These include Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear (Green Zone); Annette Bening, Denzel Washington, and Bruce Willis (The Siege); Rob Lowe and James Spader (Bad Influence); Patricia Arquette and Christian Slater (True Romance); and many others. TV appearances include some of the most popular on the major networks, such asNCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; etc.
                                                   

For more information on Said Faraj, log onto his IMDb page                                                                                    at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/?ref_=sr_1                   

The official trailer of the film: 





Source:J Blair Brown Consulting
Phone:717.736.9823
City/Town:Sarasota - Florida - United States

The American Failure wins Best Director Award!!!!


 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
Ameenah Kaplan and Said Faraj Win Again for Best Director at the New York International Film Festival—L.A. Edition
                                                                    




Oct. 6, 2013 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Hot on the heels of its recent wins at the Movieville International Film Festival in Sarasota, FL, and the Action On Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, CA, the film The American Failure takes home the coveted Best Director Short Film prize at the recent New York International Film Festival—L.A. Edition for director Ameenah Kaplan and co-director Said Faraj.
                                                                     


http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/?ref_=sr_1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB9pDK-g2NM


Source:J Blair Brown Consulting
Phone:717.736.9823




























Thursday, November 21, 2013

Actor Said Faraj wins TWO Best Actor awards at recent AOF International Film Festival



The actor, nominated for his film “The American Failure,” bested noted actor Skeet Ulrich, among others

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Award-winning actor Said Faraj
 
 


 Aug. 29, 2013 - LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- When Said Faraj arrived in the United States more than a quarter of a century ago, after fleeing his war torn country of Lebanon, his only concern was his safety…and making a living. An aspiring actor, Faraj hoped to be successful in an industry where most others fail, though he was more than confident in his capabilities.

But nothing prepared Faraj for this past weekend, when he received, not one, but, two Best Actor awards for his starring role in the film The American Failure, which screened at the Action On Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, CA. For Faraj, the awards validate his standing in a community that has been close to his heart for decades.

“I was totally unprepared to hear my name read as Best Actor,” says Faraj. “It sounds hokey, but just being nominated among one’s peers really is enough. I am honored.”

That honor includes going head-to-head with noted actor Skeet Ulrich, among others.

The night was made even more special because Faraj hadn’t realized that he was nominated for both the Best Actor in a Feature and Best Actor in a Short Film awards. In the end, he had won both. The film was also nominated for Best Short Film.

The American Failure follows Carlos Elias, a man who finds himself on the run from a ruthless international drug cartel and the law, after extorting millions of dollars. The film was also produced and co-written by Faraj, who has also appeared in prominent films such as: Green Zone; The Siege; Bad Influence; True Romance; and others. His TV appearances include: NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; and many more.


Check out all of Said Faraj’s work on
 his IMDb page at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267057/?ref_=sr_1
To see the official trailer of the film, go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB9pDK-g2NM

Source:J Blair Brown Consulting
Phone:717.736.9823
City/Town:Los Angeles - California - United States
Industry:Film, Event