By Iman Sadri
September 23, 2025
Kayvon Derak-Shanian‘s new short film ‘Living in Fear‘ is a poignant film reflective of today’s turbulent times. Set in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks in suburban America, the Oscar qualifying film tells the story of a young teen living in constant fear due to his Middle Eastern background.
Nour Jude Assaf plays the film’s protagonist, Cameron Ameri, whose father was murdered in cold blood immediately after the 9/11 attacks. Cameron lives in constant fear refusing to go to school or socialize with his friends. His constant paranoia prevents him from enjoying a normal teenage life. His invariable fear stems from his Iranian American appearance.
Despite encouragement from his mother and his friends his fear of possible attacks from White Americans in his neighborhood does not subside. His fear is also triggered by post traumatic stress from the murder of his father, which occurred directly in front of him.
Derak-Shanian is a four time Oscar-qualified filmmaker who gained national recognition for More Than Miyagi : The Pat Morita Story and The Real Miyagi. Living in Fear is loosely based on Derak-Shanian’s own experiences of facing minor harassment in the aftermath of 9/11 as well as hate crimes against Middle Easterners and Sikh Indians after September 11.
The film is reflective of current times in 2025 with ICE raids also affecting Middle Eastern communities, including Iranian Americans who are being detained in immigration centers. The 12 day Iran-Israel War in early 2025 also raised fears of renewed anti-Iranian sentiment that became full fledged during the hostage crisis of the early 1980’s. Living in Fear is a tremendous short film with exceptional acting and direction. The film progresses with the lead character, Cameron being encouraged to ask his high school crush out on a date and come out of his shell of fear.
Kayvon Derak-Shanian can be followed on social media @KevinDerek
