New Criminal Minds spin-off features local actor Atif Hashwi

HOLLYWOOD— In his first major television role, Atif Hashwi, a Dearborn native, will guest star in the CBS series “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders”, airing on May 4.

The show, which debuted in March, is a spin-off of the popular “Criminal Minds”, now in its 11th season.

Hashwi portrays Amir, a Turkish exchange student who gets involved in a scuffle at his university and is faced with bigotry by both the FBI and his peers, culminating in his deportation.

When Hashwi auditioned for the role, he had no idea he would be one of the few actors breaking the stereotypical portrayal of Arabs in Hollywood. He told The Arab American News his role presents a “very realistic viewpoint of an Arab or Muslim living in modern times.”

“This is the role I have always wished for,” Hashwi said. “It’s a role that is based in reality. It’s saying that you have these preconceived notions against me and our people, but please learn something about me before you generalize about everybody else.”

He criticized the numerous portrayals of Arabs by non-Arabs, many playing terrorists.

Hashwi said looks are often what matters when actors are cast. However, when he auditioned, the directors and producers told him they were “blown away.”

The actor encouraged diversity on the screen and said there are few Arab Americans in his age group in Hollywood ready to step onto a T.V. or film set to exemplify what a true Arab would be like.

He said there are countless non-Arabs ready to take on the role on an Arab on screen, but if there is a casting call and speaking Arabic is needed, producers would prefer to cast an authentic Arab, rather than have somebody fake it.

Hashwi said he saw how it looks when non-Arabs play Arab parts and said he doesn’t believe it.

“Are you really going to connect with it?” he asked.

He said he hopes Arab Americans watching the episode will connect with his character.

Diversity begins with the writing, Hashwi added. Creating characters based on real life, not stereotypes, is what captivates viewers.

He has some advice for aspiring Arab American actors and actresses – follow your dreams and play to your uniqueness.

“Nobody has a story like yours,” Hashwi said. “Everyone has their own obstacles. Go out and tell your story through the roles you play and don’t take anything you don’t believe in.”

He recalled something actor and filmmaker Denzel Washington told him after a lecture, when he asked him about the numerous times he is approached to play a terrorist.

“Don’t take anything you can’t live with,” Hashwi quoted Washington.

Hashwi also said actors should write their own scripts and develop a fan base.

“Start somewhere,” he said. “Most people are afraid because they live in Dearborn, not in L.A., and their parents told them to just be a doctor.”

Hashwi said he hopes this role will create new acting opportunities so he can continue to shatter the clichéd portrayals of Arabs on television.

“Do want somebody else telling your story?,” he asked.

Hashwi, a University of South California student and former University of Michigan student has also appeared in the movie “Mooz-Lum”, the T.V. series “My Haunted House” and other projects.