The American Failure wins Best Director for Ameenah Kaplan and Said Faraj

The recent win is one of many awards for the dramatic thriller starring Said Faraj

Hot on the heels of its recent wins at the Movieville International Film Festival in Sarasota, FL, and the Action On Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, CA, the film The American Failure takes home the coveted Best Director Short Film prize at the recent New York International Film Festival—L.A. Edition for director Ameenah Kaplan and co-director Said Faraj.

The American Failure follows L.A. attorney Carlos Elias, portrayed by Faraj, as a tormented man who is on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. It also stars Hakeen Kae-Kazim, Dan Thiel, Adrienne Wilkinson and Chriss Anglin.

Director and actress Ameenah Kaplan is widely known for her recurring role in NBC’s The Office where she portrayed Val, the love interest of Darryl (played by Craig Robinson). Other credits include Grey’s Anatomy; Law & Order: LA; Harry’s Law; Heroes; and more.

Co-director and actor Said Faraj has appeared alongside Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear in Green Zone; with Annette Bening, Denzel Washington, and Bruce Willis in  The Siege; Rob Lowe and James Spader in Bad Influence; and in many other notable films. He has also been featured on popular TV series such as NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; etc.