AMERICAN LIVES, IRANIAN LIES

AMERICAN LIVES, IRANIAN LIES
Feature Film | Historical Political Thriller | In Development

Written and Directed by Homayoon Mobaraki

Overview

American Lives, Iranian Lies is a historical political thriller inspired by true events surrounding the 1957 killings of three Americans and the disappearance of humanitarian Anita Carroll in southeastern Iran.

Set against a backdrop of tribal conflict, international diplomacy, and Cold War politics, the film follows Isa Khan Mobaraki, a respected tribal leader who becomes caught between local loyalties, state power, and growing pressure from the United States.

As political interests collide and competing narratives emerge, Isa embarks on a relentless pursuit of the notorious bandit Dad Shah, seeking justice before the fragile relationship between two nations collapses.

Why This Story

In 2027, seventy years will have passed since the events that inspired this film.

Despite their significance, these events remain largely unknown outside historical and academic circles. The story offers a rare perspective on a critical moment in Iranian-American relations and explores themes that remain deeply relevant today: truth, political manipulation, loyalty, and the human cost of international conflict.

At its core, this is not simply a story about politics. It is a story about individuals forced to make impossible choices when personal duty collides with national interests.

Director’s Statement

This project began as a personal journey into a chapter of history that directly affected my own family.

Isa Khan Mobaraki was not only a historical figure; he was my grandfather. Through years of research, archival material, and conversations with family members, I became increasingly aware of the dramatic and cinematic potential of a story that sits at the intersection of tribal history, international diplomacy, and personal sacrifice.

My ambition is to create a grounded and emotionally engaging political thriller that combines historical authenticity with universal human themes. Rather than focusing on spectacle, the film examines the pressure placed upon individuals when truth becomes contested and political narratives begin to outweigh reality.

Current Status

The project is currently in development.

Completed

Historical research
Story development
Pitch deck
Visual concept development

In Progress

Screenplay development
Historical verification
Financing strategy
Industry outreach

Comparable Films

Munich
Argo
Zero Dark Thirty
Lawrence of Arabia
Project Information

Genre: Historical Political Thriller

Format: Feature Film

Language: English / Persian

Country: Sweden / International Co-Production

Status: In Development

Contact

Homayoon Mobaraki
Writer & Director

Website: homayoonmobaraki.com

Email: hmobaraki70@gmail.com

Cell / WhatsApp: +46 735 144 220

For development, financing, co-production, sales, and casting inquiries, please get in touch.