Navid Negahban previews ’12 Strong’: ‘Passionate’ cast ‘honoring these Aghanis’ helping to rid terrorism
Based on the non-fiction book Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton, 12 Strong centers on the post-9/11 story of a U.S. Special Forces team partnering with Afghanistan factions into the rugged mountains, delivering a patriotic and insightful tale. Starring opposite Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon and Michael Pena, Navid Negahban (Homeland, American Sniper) portrays the war hero and current Vice President of Afghanistan, General Dostum.
Talking with Dispatch Radio’s Brandon Jones, Navid says the all-star cast was “passionate” about delivering a “different message” on the Afghanis: “They’re just no different than any of us, leaning on one another as brothers,” he says, explaining how they are “good and bad in all walks of life…cultures and religions.”
Navid discussed the difficult shoot, “it was cold” and even injuring himself on set. “I needed help to get on and off the horse, but focused on what Dostum would do…how he wouldn’t stop.”
Later he added that “Without him, I don’t think the Americans, the American soldiers and forces could have reached their goal.”
Navid confirms that real soldiers, Afghani and other nationals, one was from Ubekistan, were on set and key in bringing the “real feel” to the screen. “I’m Iranian and even as a neighboring Middle Eastern, I came away with so much respect for their commitment, to fight for their family, their land against extremists…
“The story was classified and the movie is just a small window…I was so surprised to hear some of these stories. I just hope we bring that to the audience. So I’m just hoping that this one (film) shows we are showing respect, we are acknowledging, we are honoring those people who put their lives on the line to help get rid of terrorism or war, to bring peace.”
Award-winning director Nicolai Fuglsig directed the film, which is produced by legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Black Hawk Down), together with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill (La La Land, Sicario) under their Black Label Media banner.
12 Strong arrives in theaters on January 19, 2018.
Visit the official site: 12strongmovie.com
FULL AUDIO INTERVIEW PENDING
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