FORMER Bahrain resident Kaj Adnan dazzled audiences as the lead of two highly anticipated films which premiered at this year’s Los Angeles International Short Film Fest at the Regal Theatre.
Obligatory and Pistols and Apple Pies were amongst 350 short films showcased at the festival, which ran from July 17 to 28.
“I feel blessed and happy, and this is just the beginning,” the 25-year-old actor told the GDN from Los Angeles.
The young Lebanese actor, who grew up in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, studied at the Modern Knowledge School in Juffair, before completing a degree in business marketing at the University of Bahrain.
His journey into acting began with roles in local plays and short films, augmented by his studies at the New York Film Academy, and a performance in the short film A Pandemic Nightmare.
While completing his undergraduate studies in the kingdom, he started doing commercials and participating in acting workshops, while also building a following on his YouTube channel, which currently has more than 1.75 million subscribers.
Almost three years ago, he moved to Hollywood and appeared in the Hollywood comedy Final Score.
In Pistols and Apple Pies, Alex, a troubled teenager struggling in a harsh urban environment, when confronted with abuse and neglect, faces a crucial moment where desperation meets opportunity.
The 13-minute film highlights his encounters with manipulative and reckless figures, exploring themes of resilience and redemption.
Mr Adnan’s portrayal of Alex earned acclaim as well as a recent Essence Awards nomination for his depth and complexity, despite the role having very little dialogue.
“What drew me to play Alex was the chance to show emotion without saying much,” he explained.
“I only had one line in the whole film, which I love because I prefer acting with fewer words and more actions.
“To prepare, I tapped into experiences everyone goes through at some point. Alex gets bullied in the film, and I can relate to that not just from my own experiences but from seeing it happen to others too.”
A smooth and trusting collaboration with director Gavin ‘Chief’ Meredith, cinematographer Paul Lehman IV, and the film crew, especially during shoots on the streets of LA, helped the story come alive.
“The director was a great help in making me understand urban life and the struggles, abuse and neglect that can occur in certain environments,” Mr Adnan added.
“Alex does things I would never do, which made the role challenging and pushed my boundaries.”
He highlights that the film underscores the need for parents to be more attentive to their children’s experiences, particularly at school.
As the GDN previously reported, Obligatory, set during Greece’s 1970s military rule, highlights perseverance and optimism amidst tyranny.
In the 12-minute short film, directed by Eli Staub and written by Angelo Pitsillis, Mr Adnan plays Elias, a prison guard tasked with executing his former professor.
After moving to Hollywood, he has been refining his acting skills through continuous training and classes, while working on a plethora of projects.
“I have two projects that I shot but haven’t seen yet – Fitna and Widows Peak,” he added.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing them soon, but I won’t say much about them now.”
Further details about these projects will be announced closer to the release date.
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