Jacir (Arabic: جاسر) is a 2022 American drama film written and directed by Waheed AlQawasmi and starring Malek Rahbani, Lorraine Bracco and Darius "Tutweezy" Tutwiler. It is AlQawasmi's feature directorial debut.
Plot
From Aleppo to the Ghetto! From Aleppo to the Ghetto! JACIR, is a glance at the divided U.S. political system through the eyes of a young Syrian refugee on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, as he faces the harsh realities of chasing the American dream. All the while living in poverty, witnessing social injustice while dealing with his conservative, cable-news-consuming, and opioid-addicted next-door neighbor, Meryl (Bracco). Knowing very little English and far from the ideal new American life he imagined. Jacir (Rahbani) embarks on a journey to win the affection of a new love interest, while dealing with her overzealous dad; and measuring a newfound friendship with an African American line cook and rapper named Jerome (Tutweezy).
Cast
Malek Rahbani as Jacir
Lorraine Bracco as Meryl
Darius "Tutweezy" Tutwiler as Jerome
Tony Mehanna as Adam
Leila Almas Rose as Nadia
Production
In May 2020, it was announced that Bracco was cast in the film and that Sara Abi Kanaan was attached to appear. Production on the film occurred in Memphis, Tennessee in November 2020.
Release
The film premiered at the Nashville Film Festival On October 1, 2022. Then it was released in select theaters on March 24, 2023.
Reception
The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on six reviews. Andrew Stover of Film Threat rated the film a 7 out of 10.