The Samuel Project trailer
Ryan Ochoa (Robert Zemeckis A Christmas Carol, Disneys Pair of Kings) stars as Eli, a high school student who dreams of becoming a professional artist. When a senior art project is assigned, Eli makes a deal with his grandfather Samuel, played by Emmy and Tony winner Hal Linden (Barney Miller, The Rothchilds) to reveal the story of his childhood; a story he has not shared for 75 years. As the art project takes shape with the help of a musician friend, portrayed by Mateo Arias (First Girls I Loved, Disneys Kickin It), the two become closer when his grandfather tells how his life was spared as a boy when he lost his entire family in World War II.
For all generations, The Samuel Project reveals a powerful story about the universal struggle for acceptance and opportunity with direct relevance to todays headlines. Not to mention, how discovering the past can bring a family back together and finally connect with one another. The arts play a pivotal role in the preservation of history, both personally and collectively. This is especially true when it comes to remembering victims of historic events like the Holocaust, World War II and the struggles of immigrants still happening today. It is more important than ever to share that history, learn from those who survived, and draw parallels in our own lives and what is happening in the world today.
Directed by Spielberg protégé Marc Fusco, The Samuel Project supporting cast includes: Ken Davitian (Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan), Michael B. Silver (Seabiscuit, Shameless), Liza Lapira (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Philippe Bowgen (The Mick), and number one on Billboard singer-guitarist Malina Moye.