Mena Massoud (“Aladdin,” "Hotel for the Holidays"), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men,” “Good American Family”), and Cary Elwes (“Saw,” “Mission Impossible”) are set to star in “The American Spring.”
Los Angeles-based Syrian director and producer Sam Kadi will direct the political thriller.
Set against a backdrop of deep national division, “The American Spring” follows a Massachusetts governor named Dominic Nelson whose presidential hopes fade amid a polarized primary race.
The official synopsis for the film reads: “Choosing to break from the two-party system, Nelson launches an Independent campaign with an unorthodox campaign manager: Fred Hoffman, who is a controversial political scientist and his childhood friend. As their revolutionary platform and unconventional plan to save America ignite fierce debate across the country, a shocking turn of events thrusts Hoffman to the forefront of the campaign, pushing both men into a high-stakes political storm that could either save the nation or tear it apart."
“This project is deeply personal — a dream I’ve carried with me for over ten years. It was ahead of its time back then, but now, its moment has come,” said Kadi, who is known for politically charged works such as documentary “Little Gandhi,” about the life and death of young Syrian peace activist Ghiyath Matar, and Oscar-shortlisted animated film “Lamya’s Poem,” which he produced.
“It’s a very topical film, but most importantly, it presents a nonpartisan vision that serves all of us,” he added.
“American Spring” is being produced by Kim Zubick (“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” Togo”) and Kadi, who are launching pre-sales in Cannes.
Executive producers include Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Adam Harris Engelhard, and Stephen Mastrocola of Buffalo 8.
Production is slated to begin later this year.