Kuwaiti-born screenwriter and director Zeyad (also known as ‘Z’) Alhusaini, whose comedic action film ‘How I Got There’ recently won the People’s Choice Award at the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, joined United Talent Agency for representation in all areas.
The groundbreaking film about two childhood best friends, named Salem and Asad, who stumble upon a shipment of guns and try to seize this get-rich-quick opportunity is set entirely in the Persian Gulf. “How I Got There” provides a relatively realistic insight into Kuwait’s current cultural melting pot and its underworld of armed mercenaries, gangs and terrorists, as well as the local rap scene.
A graduate of Columbia University’s film school, Alhusaini has extensive experience in short films and commercials. He worked for years to bring “How I Got There”, which is considered the first action movie set in Kuwait, to the screen. The groundbreaking film, which he wrote and directed, features local talent including Yaqoob Abdullah, who plays Asad, as well as Bollywood star Javed Jaffrey and stars Ron Perlman like a sleazy American mercenary. Pic was partly filmed on the island of Failaka, where Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait in 1990.
“I am delighted to work with the team of UTA and to continue to tell stories that touch people on a personal level,” Alhusaini said in a statement. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with a talented group of people who share my vision and passion for filmmaking and to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences around the world,” he added. .
Upon joining UTA, Alhusaini will continue to be represented by Tarik Heitmann at Kinetic Media.