Thursday, November 30, 2023
Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, East Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, West Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Village Main Street
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, East Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, West Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Village Main Street
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
October 16, 2014

INTERVIEW: Paul Wesley, Dina Shihabi, And Sean Mullin On “Amira & Sam” & The Beauty Of Improv

Nicole BarylskibyNicole Barylski
in Arts
Home Arts

“I decided to try to flip the kind of usual story of a vet coming home and loosing his mind, and instead, what if the country lost its mind when the soldier comes home,” writer and director Sean Mullin told Hamptons.com about his first feature film, “Amira & Sam.” We sat down with Mullin, as well as the film’s stars Dina Shihabi and Paul Wesley during the Hamptons International Film Festival.

Mullin, who was a captain in the army and a first responder after September 11th, drew inspiration from his own experiences for “Amira & Sam.” The romantic comedy takes a look at interracial romance in respect to the reality of life in an age of terrorism. Sam (Martin Starr) is an Iraqi war veteran who is struggling to assimilate back into everyday life in an indifferent New York City. An Iraqi refugee, Amira (Dina Shihabi), enters Sam’s world in a whirlwind and forever changes it.

“The Vampire Diaries” star Paul Wesley plays Charlie, Sam’s driven cousin who after realizing he can leverage Sam’s army ties, enlists Sam to work for his Wall Street firm. “I read it [the script] and I thought it was great,” noted Wesley. “I thought it was the opposite of the character I do on ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ I’ve never played a Wall Street guy.” Wesley, who had seen Mullin’s short film, “Sadiq,” was impressed with the director. While the actor was familiar with Martin Starr from projects like “Freaks and Geeks,” his first encounter with Shihabi was her reading for “Amira & Sam.” “I had seen Dina Shihabi’s audition secretly and I was blown away by it,” said Wesley.

Mullin was equally as excited with the footage. “With Dina I didn’t know of her work, but her audition was incredible. I didn’t finish watching the entire audition, I made it about halfway through and I just stopped it. I called my producers and said that’s Amira. She just popped to life for me.”

Martin Starr and Dina Shihabi in “Amira & Sam.” (Courtesy Photo)


To prepare for her first major role, Shihabi researched what was happening to the families of translators in Iraq and she found it shocking. “It’s not spoken about enough what happens to them,” said the actress. “It’s not really spoken about in the film too much but I just wanted to know where I came from.” While she speaks Arabic fluently, she speaks a Palestinian Arabic or Lebanese Arabic, so she had to learn a completely different dialect of Arabic. She and Laith Nakli, who plays her uncle in the film, reached out to one of his friends from Iraq, who recently came to America, and had him recite the script, which they recorded and she listened to repeatedly to make sure she was speaking authentically.

“To me, the most valuable type of storytelling is challenging perceptions and there’s this tension that exists between perception and reality,” noted Mullin. The director used the film as an opportunity to defy stereotypes. “It’s easy to paint somebody just with a single brush stroke and assume they’re this type of person, but underneath everyone has their own story.”

Mullin took a laid back approach to the script, and was even receptive to suggestions from the actors, like when Wesley suggested his wife in the film be pregnant. “I’m very much the Woody Allen school of thought where it’s like if I can recognize my story on screen I’m happy,” Mullin told us. Wesley believed the addition would create a more relatable character. “I wanted him to have an agenda. I wanted him to have a soul. I wanted the audience to empathize with him, even though he was flawed.” Which is precisely why Wesley thought having a pregnant wife made him less villainous. “I said, ‘Why is Charlie doing all this? What if his wife’s pregnant? He has a baby. There’s more stakes. He needs to put food on the table.’ An excessive amount but you know money’s money.”

Paul Wesley at the HIFF Chairman’s Reception. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

The cast was open to improv as well. “Obviously a lot of the dialogue stuck but there were moments where Sean was like, ‘Just have fun, play with it’ and I think a lot of those moments ended up on screen,” said Wesley. “Some of my favorite films of all times, I look at the behind the scenes or I look at the making of and all of them are like we just came up with that on the spot. All the great moments, ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ Dustin Hoffman walking across the street ‘Hey, I’m walking here’ you know, that was improv. All those moments are these sort of serendipitous like moments.”

“It makes you very present,” Shihabi added.

The director had a similar outlook. “To me the best thing as a director, it allows them to be in the moment,” shared Mullin. “The last thing I want is for an actor to be self aware of themselves or that they’re acting.”

One of the scenes that stood out for all three was a bedroom scene between Shihabi and Starr where the two finally begin to fall for each other. “You start that scene and they’re kind of on other ends of the spectrum and at the end you’re like ‘okay they are a team,'” said Mullin. “It’s one of those rare scenes that makes you laugh but also makes your heart swell a little bit.” Filmed in a tiny apartment bedroom, the scene is a pivotal point in the relationship and interestingly enough it was a candid moment during filming. “I think it was different every time we did it,” explained Shihabi.

While Wesley wasn’t part of that moment, he found it moving, “That was my favorite scene in the movie. Seven minutes, no cuts, just the two of them. I mean, that’s a Woody Allen shot.”

“At one point [during filming] I didn’t sleep for three days. But the film came out great so clearly it was okay,” Wesley joked. To be clear, the actor was working on both the film and his regular day job at “The Vampire Diaries” simultaneously. “I’m so confused by the story lines that I don’t even keep track of it,” Welsey told us enigmatically being purposefully vague about season six of the hit CW show. Although he did give us some insight, Wesley thinks a hook up between his character and Caroline (Candice Accola) is imminent.

“Amira & Sam” made its world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, its East Coast premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival, and also screened at the Woodstock Film Festival. The film was sold to Drafthouse Films with a limited release in 20 cities. “It’s quite an accomplishment for a small indie film,” expressed Wesley.

For more information on HIFF, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

Romany Kramoris Gallery Presents Annual Small Works Holiday Invitational
Arts

Romany Kramoris Gallery Presents Annual Small Works Holiday Invitational

November 14, 2023
Guild Hall Announces Top Honors Winner at the  84th Artist Members Exhibition
Arts

Guild Hall Announces Top Honors Winner at the 84th Artist Members Exhibition

November 3, 2023
Guild Hall’s 84th Artist Members Exhibition: A Celebration of Local Talent
Arts

Guild Hall’s 84th Artist Members Exhibition: A Celebration of Local Talent

October 24, 2023

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

30
Nov
30
Nov
-
30
Nov

Mysteries, Deceptions, and Illusions

November 30 @ 06:00 PM - November 30 @ 08:00 PM
Green Room bar at the Sag Harbor Cinema
30
Nov
30
Nov
-
30
Nov

The Science of Astro-Meteorology with Joe Rao (A Free, Virtual Lecture)

November 30 @ 07:00 PM - November 30 @ 08:00 PM
Hamptons Observatory & the South Fork Natural History Museum (online via Zoom)
01
Dec
01
Dec
-
01
Dec

LongHouse Illuminated, Holiday Season Atmosphere and Market

December 1 @ 04:30 PM - December 1 @ 07:30 PM
133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, NY 11937
01
Dec
01
Dec
-
01
Dec

Hearthside Cheer & Designer Tree Auction

December 1 @ 05:00 PM - December 1 @ 07:00 PM
Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
01
Dec
01
Dec
-
01
Dec

Knowledge Friday and Curatorial Tour with Jennifer Tripp and Mark Lubell

December 1 @ 06:00 PM - December 1 @ 08:00 PM
The Church, 48 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Load more listings
Next Post
The Ladd Brothers Debut At The Parrish During Live Performance

The Ladd Brothers Debut At The Parrish During Live Performance

  • Jazz Chanteuse Kim Kalesti Talks Musical Influences, Career, and Holiday Concert in Southampton⁠
⁠
On Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 PM, Sticks and Stones Comedy Club—while known for its hilarious weekly Friday Night Comedy shows—will present an all-ages holiday musical concert showcasing the extraordinary singing and piano talents of Kim Kalesti. @kimkalesti ⁠
⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#musical #concert #holidays #holidayconcert⁠
#jazz #singer #livemusic #live
  • Wölffer’s New Argentinian Malbec is Perfect for the Holiday Season⁠
⁠
Christian Wölffer, former owner of Wölffer Estate Vineyards here in Sagaponack, New York, had always dreamt of owning a vineyard in Argentina one day. He wasn’t able to bring that dream to fruition before his death in 2008, but his children, Joey and Marc, have worked hard in the years following to make their father’s dream a reality. ⁠
⁠
After his father’s passing, Marc eventually bought 85 hectares of land in Mendoza, Argentina, a city in the Cuyo region that is also known as the heart of Argentinian Wine Country. Together with fellow winemaker Roman Roth and Susanna Balbo, the vineyard’s “Aida of Torrontes”, the Wölffer team has launched their newest Wine– the Finca Wölffer Malbec 2022, a rich and jammy Argentinian red. @wolfferwine⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#wolffer #wine #malbec #wolfferestate #instawine #winestagram #winelover #winelovers
  • The Hamptons Power Couple Behind Heiberg Cummings Design⁠
⁠
My afternoon with William Cummings and Bernt Heiberg, the venerable founders of the eponymous Heiberg Cummings Design, was fantastic and a fascinating reminder of how much energy and effort goes into the art of designing a truly remarkable home.⁠
⁠
Having casual access to this much-celebrated creative team is a luxury, and Bill and Bernt are among the most approachable and kind people you’ll meet in the Hamptons. Not to mention their impeccable design taste. Together, they are beautifully balanced as an archetypal power couple—Bill as the head and Bernt as the Heart—driven by a shared love for and commitment to their craft. @heibergcummingsdesign⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#shelterisland #hamptons⁠
#interiordesigninspiration #interiordesignideas #milliondollarlisting #interiordesignlovers #interiordesigninspo
  • Rowdy Hall, the Iconic Hamptons Restaurant, Opens in Amagansett⁠
⁠
In the heart of Amagansett, the iconic Hamptons pub and bistro, Rowdy Hall, has found its new home at 177 Main Street, marking a fresh chapter after 26 years on Main Street in East Hampton. Under the ownership of the Honest Man Hospitality team, the same group behind beloved establishments like Nick & Toni’s, Coche Comedor, La Fondita, and Townline BBQ, Rowdy Hall continues its legacy as a year-round haven for both locals and visitors. @rowdyhallamg⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#dining #rowdyhall #amagansett #local #chef
  • Heart of the Hamptons: Making a Difference on the East End⁠
⁠
Heart of the Hamptons is an East End organization helping those in need. Started 42 years ago by members of the Southampton community, it has been growing with community support ever since. The nonprofit organization says simply, “The mission of Heart of the Hamptons is to help people in our local community who are in need, without discrimination, in a dignified manner.” @heartofthehamptons⁠
⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#heartofthehamptons #community #nonprofit
  • Everyone is on the internet nowadays — including home shoppers.⁠
⁠
And that’s why real estate sites are so popular: They provide up-to-the-minute information on prices, values and listings, school zones and neighborhoods, and surrounding homes and businesses. There’s a lot of information online real estate sites put right up front.⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#realestate #hamptonsre #hamptonsrealestate
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-405-3902
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

Contact Us


Hamptons.com

  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Featured
  • Gallery
  • History of the Hamptons
  • Kids
  • Music Videos
  • Real Estate
  • Recreation
  • Spotlight
  • Tuesdays at Main Beach Music Series

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2021 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, East Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, West Lake Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Village Main Street
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2021 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us