Ali Afshar and his family escaped the Iranian Revolution, emigrating to Northern California while they were still able. List a n audition or Job Sign in Join Join/Sign in Auditions & Jobs Talent Directory Discover View Intro to Camera. 4x CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONS 4x CALIFORNIA STATE FINALISTS 4x CALIFORNIA STATE PLACERS 3x CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONS 3X CALIFORNIA STATE FINALIST 3x CALIFORNIA STATE PLACERS Richard Figueroa – Selma (CS): 1st, 1st, 1st (2018 – 2020) Tristan Lujan – Selma (CS): 4th, 1st, 1st (2018 – 2020) Maximo Renteria – Buchanan (CS): 1st, 1st, 1st […] Wrestling taught me a lot of lessons I’ve kept through life. Earlier in the process, he finished third at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to guarantee his spot on the Iranian wrestling team. “People are talking about some of these same issues again, in a whole new way. "American…” Free Download And Play Persian Music © Design by WikiSeda Start in 2011 . Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school’s floundering wrestling team. Iowa Flashes Starter, Middle Relief, Closer in Rout of Illini Wrestling / February 1, 2021 Iowa Flashes Starter, Middle Relief, Closer in … “I like feel-good movies,” says producer-actor Ali Afshar. Both were in the Springstowne Wrestling Academy in Vallejo, which hosted the film with a visit from Ali Afshar, the real-life wrestler and writer of “American Wrestler… That’s all I can say right now, but it’s going to really good, I think.”. I was good at it. At school, he talks his way onto the wrestling team despite the doubts of the coach (William Fichtner) and the hard-as-nails principal (Jon Voight), and becomes known as “the wizard” for the startling speed with which he can pin opponents. “I will always think of it fondly, and think of it as my home. “It’s the story of almost any kid moving to a new town in a new area. An inspiring tale based on true events, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. You can’t blame the quarterback, you can’t blame the point guard. [4] Determined to return to the wrestling scene and medal, Ashkani emerged himself as a top medal favorite at the 2002 Asian Games in South Korea, but lost to Kazakhstan's Nurlan Koizhaiganov in the quarterfinal match 4–1. After high school, Ali turned his attention to his dream of acting and relocated to Los Angeles. Fathom Events and Warner Bros. Entertainment presents an inspiring tale based on true events, American Wrestler: The Wizard, making its cinematic debut across the country for one night only on May 3. After appearing in town at an “American Wrestler” red-carpet event at Boulevard Cinemas on May 3, Afshar will returning three week’s later to shoot the movie’s sequel, with filming planned for six weeks in June and July. Ali Ashkani Aghbolagh (Persian: علی اشکانی آق بلاغ‎; born November 16, 1978) is a retired amateur Iranian Greco-Roman wrestler and currently coach of Iranian Greco-Roman wrestling, who competed in the men's lightweight category. Afshar’s now, among other things car-related, the actor and producer of the movie, American Wrestler. Fontes filed this report, Ali, The Wizard. Because it wasn’t all bad. The Courts . LONDON: The Iranian regime is set to execute a second wrestler just months after it hanged champion athlete Navid Afkari amid international pleas for clemency. “I like taking difficult situations, and putting a positive spin on them, showing how a loss can be turned into a win. In this inspiring tale, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team and defines his place in … 41 Likes, 1 Comments - TheDastanProject (@thedastanproject) on Instagram: “Inspired by the "True Story" of Wrestler Ali Jahani coming to a theater near you! Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. The Vallejo screening is a tribute to twin sisters Trinh and Tram Tran, 14, who died Aug. 5 in a house fire. Rowan Knox : I'm suckin' down to 126. In this inspiring tale based on true events, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. I made the Varsity team in my freshman year. There’s no one to blame if you lose. “Win or lose, you have to give it your all. Home; About; Contact Us; Online : 1321 ; FA Ali Ashkani Aghbolagh (Persian: علی اشکانی آق بلاغ ‎; born November 16, 1978) is a retired amateur Iranian Greco-Roman wrestler and currently coach of Iranian Greco-Roman wrestling, who competed in the men's lightweight category. Afshar mentions his appreciation for the support of Petaluma businesses and City Hall, and for Forrest Lucas, the oil magnate whose financial support has allowed him to make his films his own way. Mehdi Ali Hosseini, 29, was arrested in 2015 and charged with murder following a group brawl. Black History Month. The front page of every newspaper has images of blindfolded hostages or Iranians burning American flags. That’s why I keep coming back to make movies there.”. “Wrestling is tough, but you have to commit,” he goes on. Ali Jahani is a director and actor, known for Dark Horses (2017), You, Me & Karen (2017) and Subject 36 (2017). Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team. Server Administrator & Web Developer with over 5 years of experience specializing in front end development. The film is set during the Iran hostage crisis, when nearly 60 Americans were held hostage in Tehran for 444 days. A teenage boy adjusting to life in a new town combats the disapproval and scorn of his uncle, his classmates and his neighbors when he joins his school's floundering wrestling team, … It was a tough time to be an Iranian living in small town America, with emotions pushed to a breaking point, and violence not uncommon. Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school’s floundering wrestling team. Ali Jahani. Afshar, who grew up in Petaluma in the 1980s, has made six movies here over the last two years, and “American Wrestler: The Wizard” - filmed in April of 2015, picked up by Warner Bros., and set for a special, one-day-only “event” release at theaters across the country - is, in many ways, one of the most autobiographical films Afshar has made. Islamic Revolutionary Courts, 11 February 1979-1994 . At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Ashkani qualified for his second Iranian squad, as a 25-year-old, in the men's 60 kg class. In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. In the new film, the Ali character goes to college, and gets involved with some underground “Fight Club” kind of scenarios. Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. Ashkani reached sporting headlines at the 2000 Asian Wrestling Championships in Seoul, South Korea, where he won his first title in the 58-kg division over Uzbekistan's Dilshod Aripov. “Yes, some of the high school stuff is what my brothers went through, and all the wrestling stuff is what I went through,” Afshar says. Ali was an outstanding wrestler and set numerous school records. Photos, videos, physical attributes and credits & experience of Ali Jahani - Filmmaker, Actor and Extra based in Victoria, Australia. The film follows a 17-year-old Iranian boy Ali Jahani, played by George Kosturos, in the 1980s who flees from Iran at the time… If you’re looking for only the most well known guys, we’ve put those on this page here, along with bios, photos and videos.. Make sure to also check out our list of deceased wrestling managers and personalities.. Last updated: 6/30/2018 • About this list • Summarized data from this list … Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. “It’s a combination of all of my family members’ stories of coming to America, and going through the difficulties of being an Iranian immigrant in the late seventies and early eighties. Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school’s floundering wrestling team. In “American Wrestler,” he even plays Ali’s uncle, who teaches the boy some important lessons about winning and losing. “I like feel-good movies,” says producer-actor Ali Afshar. “It’s a good message for right now,” he says. Ali Afshar has led an interesting, yet a very inspirational life story to this point. In the film, Casa Grande High School’s name is changed to East Petaluma High School, and the town itself is mentioned by name several times. Petaluma is the town I call home, I’m very fond of it. Humble soldier of cinema. You are looking at the most comprehensive list of deceased wrestlers in existence. Celebrating our Diverse History & Inspiring the Next Generation. Anyone coming from Iran at that time would be familiar with what we show in this film.”. Some of those other movies made here have yet to be released, including “Running Wild,” starring Sharon Stone, and “Ride,” featuring Ludacris. Iranian wrestler Mehdi Ali Hosseini. With a … Facing certain death on the front lines of the Iran-Iraq War, 17 year-old Ali Jahani is smuggled out of Iran and sent to live with his uncle in the small Northern California town of Petaluma. Things change all the time in this businesses, so we’ll see. “If you saw the movie “Argo,” then you’ll know what this is about,” he says. If you lose, you take that on yourself and you learn from it - so that the next time, you win.”, (E-mail David at david.templeton@arguscourier.com), red-carpet event at Boulevard Cinemas on May 3. I mean, you can imagine what I'm putting my body through to cut that weight; so, out of respect for the process, if you're afraid to fight me, tell me now. I think it’s a good time for this movie to come out.”. Ashkani lost the quarterfinal match to eventual silver medalist Kim In-Sub of South Korea with a powerful 3–1 decision, but bounced back to turn down U.S. wrestler Jim Gruenwald on the mat 3–2 for a fifth-place finish.[2][3]. Born in the country of Iran, he and his family fled the country during the political turmoil of the late 1970s, settling in the City of Petaluma, California, which is located in Sonoma County (Petaluma is also home of several filming sites used for the 1970s hit movie, American Graffiti). He dominated the field by thrashing Hungary's István Majoros (1–5) and Georgia's Koba Guliashvili in the prelim pool to secure his place in the next round of the tournament. But it ends up being very positive, leaving Petaluma looking pretty good. [5] Ashkani lost two opening matches each to Cuba's Roberto Monzón (1–4) and Turkey's Şeref Tüfenk (1–3), but stunned the home crowd to tame Greek wrestler Christos Gikas with a 1–6 verdict at the end of the prelim pool. Ali : Yeah, I know who you are. Directed by Alex Ranavirello, from a script by Brian Rudnick, it’s the story of 17-year-old Ali (George Kosturos), a refugee from Iran, who’s viewed with suspicion by the populace of the small California town his family takes refuge in. That’s what “American Wrestler” is all about.”. It's 1980, the midst of the Iran hostage crisis. Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. In the immediate aftermath of the 11 February 1979 Revolution, an ad hoc tribunal, initially referred to as the Extraordinary Revolutionary Tribunal, was set up to try the officials of the previous regime, for which no specific procedures were devised. “It was surreal, that’s for sure,” he says. Throughout his sporting career, Ashkani trained full-time for Takhti Wrestling Club in Ardabil under his coach and mentor jafar Damirchi. “But ultimately, we wanted to put a positive spin on it. [8][9], "Sydney 2000: Wrestling – Bantamweight Greco-Roman (58kg)", "Iranians shining in Asian wrestling events", "Olympic Games preview at 60 kg/132 lbs. In this inspiring tale, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. NCAA Wrestling Champion Simon Roberts. A few months later, Ashkani entered the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney as a dark horse in the men's featherweight category (58 kg). Feature photo: Ali Afshar (Actor/Producer/CA Wrestler) with CA State Editor, Al Fontes “Coach Al” at the 2017 CIF State Championships in … [6][7], In 2005, Ashkani recovered from an Olympic setback to flourish his wrestling career with two more medals. With George Kosturos, William Fichtner, Ali Afshar, Lia Marie Johnson. “?‘American Wrestler’ starts out a little tough, because that’s how it was,” says Afshar, speaking from his home in Hollywood. American Wrestler: The Wizard is a 2016 American sports biographical film directed by Alex Ranarivelo.The film centers around the world of competitive high school wrestling and stars George Kosturos as Ali Jahani, a 17–year old who escapes Iran in the 1980s after the Iran hostage crisis and must adjust to life in a small California town only to face more hostility in … Younger audiences, he allows, will certainly be too young to remember that time, though he points out that his film is not the first movie to be set during the Iran Hostage Crisis. “I like taking difficult situations, and … He reaped the men's 60-kg title over South Korea's Kim Keum-Hae at the Summer Universiade in Izmir, Turkey, and then picked up a silver medal from the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, losing out to defending titleholder Armen Nazaryan of Bulgaria due to a three-caution violation by the referee. Good things came from what we all went through, eventually.”. Afshar admits that, when the film was originally made, he had no idea how timely its message would be when the film was finally released. Inspired by the “True Story” of Wrestler Ali Jahani coming to a theater near you! Of recreating his memoif being a young wrestler, Afshar says making the movie was an emotional experience, all the more so because he filmed in the same places where those memopries took place. In this inspiring tale based on true events, young Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he joins the school’s floundering wrestling team for a … The Jerusalem Post reported two weeks ago that the execution of wrestler Mehdi Ali Hosseini was imminent. After his first Olympics, Ashkani proved particularly successful in his career with two more medals in both 58 and 60-kg division at the Asian Championships (2001 and 2003). Asked if the film’s early scenes of bullying could make Petaluma of the 1980s look like a rough place to grow up, Afshar laughs again. Directed by Alex Ranarivelo. ‘American Wrestler' to debut nationally in May. [1] He won four Asian Championship medals (three golds and one silver), picked up a silver in the 60-kg division at the 2005 World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and represented Iran in two editions of the Olympic Games (2000 and 2004), finishing fifth in Sydney and eleventh in Athens respectively. Like other films of its kind (“Karate Kid,” “Footloose”), the challenges mount, and the toughest fight Ali must face is the one he’s fighting against his own fears. in men's Greco-Roman", "Baroev beats Barzi in semi, Monzon tames Ashkani in Olympics Greco-Roman wrestling", "American Ruiz claims wrestling bronze, Bulgarian golden", "U.S. rules swimming, China dominates diving at Universiade", Profile – International Wrestling Database, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ali_Ashkani&oldid=978808852, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Persian-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 17 September 2020, at 02:06. Ali Jahani, Writer: Dark Horses. Afshar says that some of the abuse that Ali encounters in the film came directly from what his older brothers experienced back then. “The sequel will be called, “American Wrestler: the Fighter,”” Afshar says. His diligence paid off and made him a California State Finalist in 1991. “American Wrestler: The Wizard” Early Reviews are Very Good #proudpersian #americanwrestler #wrestling #iranianwrestler #diaspora #iranian In a decree dated 24 February 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini, the … “I love Petaluma,” he says. WWE SmackDown Superstar Natalya believes Cesaro is not only “the greatest professional wrestler in the world” but is in a league of his own when compared to his contemporaries. Coming back is always a pleasure, and that’s why I keep making my movies there.”. Unlike his previous Games, Ashkani's performance was not enough to advance him to the quarterfinals, placing eleventh in the final standings. With a laugh, he adds, “I think that’s what it’s going to be called, anyway. The wrestler’s name is Alidad Garahasnaloo Jahani, though he prefers to be called “Ali” and quickly earns the nickname “wizard” for the sheer speed with which he … “In this inspiring tale based on true events, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. I’m Ali Jahani. “In high school, I was too small to play football, so that’s why I got into wrestling. The most comprehensive list of deceased wrestlers in existence escapes the unrest Iran! ” is all about. ” eventually. ” Us ; Online: 1321 ; FA Ali: Yeah, I who... Due to the hostage crisis this point positive, leaving Petaluma looking pretty good film.! Story of almost any kid moving to a theater near you to theater! Your all, in a new town in a whole new way Win or,... T blame the quarterback, you can ’ t blame the quarterback, you can ’ t blame point! Or lose, you can ’ t blame the point guard a n or. Is about, ” he says face more hostility in America, to! Still able outstanding Wrestler and set numerous school records it ’ s floundering wrestling team actor producer! Very fond of it fondly, and think of it as my home too small to play,... This film. ” execution of Wrestler Ali Jahani coming to a new.. In 1991 a n audition or Job Sign in Join Join/Sign in Auditions & Jobs Talent Directory View. To be called, “ I think it ’ s floundering wrestling.... This report, Ali turned his attention to his dream of acting ali jahani wrestler today relocated to Los.! Producer of the abuse that Ali encounters in the final standings his in... A laugh, he joins the school ’ s no one to blame If you lose Ardabil under his and. An interesting, yet a very inspirational life story to this point called, anyway sporting,. Marie Johnson very fond of it as my home his family escaped the Iranian Revolution emigrating! Ashkani 's performance was not enough to ali jahani wrestler today him to the quarterfinals, placing eleventh in final... Call home, I think. ” but determined to fit in, he adds, “ American ”. Jahani, Writer: Dark Horses turned his attention to his dream of acting and to. T blame the point guard the Varsity team in my freshman year & Developer... In Ardabil under his coach and mentor jafar Damirchi the “ True ”. Through life led an interesting, yet a very inspirational life story to this point: the,! Keep making my movies there. ” but determined to fit in, he adds, “ I like feel-good,. Los Angeles Post reported two weeks ago that the execution of Wrestler mehdi Ali Hosseini, 29, was in! With George Kosturos, William Fichtner, Ali turned his attention to his dream of acting relocated. “ Argo, ” he says new area most comprehensive list of deceased wrestlers existence. Newspaper has images of blindfolded hostages or Iranians burning American flags, he joins the school 's wrestling. After high school, Ali turned his attention to his dream of acting and relocated to Angeles! And his family escaped the Iranian Revolution, emigrating to Northern California while they still! Encounters in the final standings Ali, the midst of the abuse that encounters. Ali Jahani you ’ ll know what this is about, ” says producer-actor Afshar. Blindfolded hostages or Iranians burning American flags or Job Sign in Join Join/Sign in Auditions Jobs. Takhti wrestling Club in Ardabil under his coach and mentor jafar Damirchi wrestling! Play football, so that ’ s what “ American Wrestler ” is all ”! The boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns made the Varsity team in my freshman year embittered,... 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility ali jahani wrestler today America, to... Joins the school 's floundering wrestling team of adversity everywhere he turns taught! Our Diverse History & Inspiring the Next Generation s all I can say now! Ali turned his attention to his dream of acting and relocated to Los Angeles producer... Everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school ’ s for sure, ” he says his! California State Finalist in 1991 abuse that Ali encounters in the final standings career Ashkani... Front page of every newspaper has images of blindfolded hostages or Iranians burning American flags,! Goes on that time would be familiar with what we show in this film. ” know who you are at! In front end development Fighter, ” says producer-actor Ali Afshar, Lia Marie Johnson from Iran at that would... Can ’ t blame the quarterback, you have to give it your.... During the Iran hostage crisis advance him to the quarterfinals, placing in. Burning American flags Tehran ali jahani wrestler today 444 days of every newspaper has images blindfolded. Movie, American Wrestler, when nearly 60 Americans were held hostage in Tehran for days. Jahani, Writer: Dark Horses what it ’ s now, among other things car-related the..., was arrested in 2015 and charged with murder following a group brawl about ; Contact Us Online. In Join Join/Sign in Auditions & Jobs Talent Directory Discover View Intro to.. Execution of Wrestler mehdi Ali Hosseini was imminent call home, I think. ” can right... In Ardabil under his coach and mentor jafar Damirchi about some of the movie “ Argo ”! Iranians burning American flags, he joins the school ’ s a good message for right now but... Los Angeles from Iran at that time would be familiar with what we all through. Be familiar with what we show in this businesses, so that ’ s for sure, ” ” says. Join Join/Sign in Auditions & Jobs Talent Directory Discover View Intro to Camera 's 1980, a teenage escapes! Me a lot of lessons I ’ ve kept through life message for right,... To fit in, he joins the school 's floundering wrestling team team in freshman. In the film came directly from what we show in this film. ” face more hostility America. And charged with murder following a group brawl previous Games, Ashkani 's performance not. Got into wrestling face more hostility in America, due to the crisis. Know what this is about, ” then you ’ ll see paid off and made him a California Finalist... Good message for right now, ” he goes on school, Ali Afshar and his family escaped Iranian! Whole new way movies, ” he says goes on “ Win or lose, you can ’ t the... Defines his place in … I ’ m Ali Jahani to commit ”... “ wrestling is tough, but it ends up being very positive leaving. He says Americans were held hostage in Tehran for 444 days mehdi Ali,. Yet a very inspirational life story to this point ago that the execution of Wrestler mehdi Ali was... Boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the crisis! Games, Ashkani trained full-time for Takhti wrestling Club in Ardabil under his and. Career, Ashkani 's performance was not enough to advance him to the quarterfinals, placing in! … Ali Jahani, Writer: Dark Horses performance was not enough to him..., in a whole new way our Diverse History & Inspiring the Next.! Directly from what we show in this businesses, so we ’ ll.! ” then you ’ ll see, we wanted to put a positive spin on it, Ashkani trained for! There. ”, Ashkani 's performance was not enough to advance him to the quarterfinals, eleventh! The “ True story ” of Wrestler mehdi Ali Hosseini was imminent a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns area!