‘Bennet’s War’ is a Sports/Family/Drama. Executive Producers are Charlotte and Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oils.
Ali Afshar is the co-star and co-producer of Bennett’s War. Raised in Northern California, his passion for speed and entertaining was evident at a very early age as his family could often find him racing motorcycles and horses at the age of 5 and later in high school competing in wrestling and drag races. Ali and his family had to flee Iran when he was just a child. While pursuing his acting career, Ali founded Easy Street Motorsports (also known as ESX), an automotive performance and race facility that eventually lead him to race for Subaru of America. Ali landed his first major television acting role, as a mechanic-racer named “Grease” on the NBC show “Saved By The Bell”. He then started working on a string of feature films including, “Three Kings”, “Godzilla”, HBO’s “Guardian” and “The Siege”. He also had a supporting role in the feature film “He’s Just Not That Into You”, based on the bestselling book.
Ali Afshar is a producer on “Bennett’s War.” (Photo: Getty Images)
I had the good fortune of speaking with Ali Afshar to discuss his history, career, filmmaking, and the joy and satisfaction of doing your best and giving your all.
How does it feel wearing the ‘Producer Hat’?
Ali Afshar. I love it. It’s a lot of work, but it feels natural to me. I like meeting and talking with people and getting things done. When I first started producing with Forrest Films, founded by Charlotte and Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oil, we realized we had the same goal of making ‘American Dream’ movies that were hopeful and inspirational. Forrest Lucas grew up in poverty in rural Bartholomew County, while I was an immigrant from Iran who grew up in Northern California. We both worked hard to get where we are, and understand the opportunities this country has. Making Faith Friendly Family films to be shown in movie theaters is a way of giving back and sharing what we both learned about the value of hard work.
What is Bennett’s War about?
Ali Afshar. Bennett’s War is about a young soldier, Marshall Bennett (played by Michael Roark of the series Beauty and the Beast), who is in the Army Motorcycle Unit. He survives an IED explosion while in combat, breaking his back, and is in turn medically discharged and sent back home to the United States. Once home, he learns that his dad, Cal Bennett (Country Music Star Trace Adkins), is behind on his mortgage and may lose the family farm. Marshall wants to help. He knows that one more accident and he might never walk again, but the only thing he knows he can do to make money is to become a motocross racer. That’s where I come in. I play the coach for the Motorcross team. Allison Paige also stars in the film.
I saw you had your LA Red Carpet Premiere last week and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani attended.
Who was the Director of Bennett’s War?
Ali Afshar. The script was written and directed by Alex Ranarivelo. Alex is a Motorcross fan who directed “DIRT” for our production company, as well as “The AmericanWrestler: The Wizard”, that I co-wrote and is autobiographical. Alex also directed the upcoming Forrest Films Production of “Ride“, starring rapper Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges.
Can you tell me a little about “Ride”?
Ali Afshar. Ludacris is a foster parent who introduces the sport of BMX to a bigoted teenager. It is based on the life story of BMX competitor John Buultjens and his adoptive father. It’s a good guy doing good things. It has a strong message with an African-American father adopting a white racist kid.
Thank you for speaking with me Ali Afshar!
Lucas Oil’s involvement in racing includes sponsorship of multiple stock car series, a tractor pull series, an off-road series, Lucas Oil Speedway in Missouri and Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg. “Bennett’s War” includes scenes from the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series.
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