Arab American film director  and writer Rola Nashef’s new film, Detroit Unleaded, is expected to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September. 

Detroit Unleaded chronicles the life of Arab American gas station owners in metropolitan Detroit, the dangerous work environments they are placed in, and the daily issues they encounter. 

Actor EJ Assi

The film’s main character Sami, played by Lebanese American EJ Assi, finds himself living a life he never expected after his father dies in a robbery and Sami is forced to take over the business to support his family. 

He places his dreams of fulfilling a college career on hold and works at the gas station, which has bulletproof glass. His co-worker and cousin Mike,  played by actor Mike Batayeh, has plans to expand the business by opening another location. 

The two struggle to keep the business operating and dispute with a nearby station over the price of gas. 

When a young Arab American woman named Naj, played by Nada Shouhayib, comes to the station to deliver an order of cheap long distance phone cards from her brother’s cell phone store, Sami is instantly attracted to her. The two develop a romantic relationship but are prevented from persuing it because of Naj’s strict brother and his beliefs on dating practices. 

The film is also an up-close look at the race relationships between business owners in the city and their customers, in addition to the economic hardships they face. 

Nashef could not be reached by press time for an interview. 

Speaking to The Arab American News by phone, Assi discussed the measures he took to get into his role as Sami. He says he spent the night at a gas station and even worked in one for a few days to better understand his character.  

Assi has come a long way in his acting career. He started taking an interest in acting in high school, where he was in plays and developed a passion for making people laugh and getting them entertained.  

He graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree. In college he was also active in acting.  

While the idea of pursuing a career in acting is not always met with enthusiasm by Arab American parents, Assi’s have always been supportive of his dreams and encouraged him to follow his passion. 

“I was extremely lucky; all they wanted me to do was fulfill my dreams and do what makes me happy,” he said.  “My parents are amazing people.” 

Assi worked as a production assistant for the show 16 and Pregnant, which will debut on MTV. While it was a good opportunity, he quit because he didn’t agree with the message the show conveyed.  

Assi says he enjoyed working with other cast members, and applauded Nashef’s work as a director. 

“She’s a great writer and knows what she wants,” he said.  Detroit Unleaded took 23 days to shoot according to Assi, and will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival September 9th, 11th and the 15th.  It’s one of the largest film festivals worldwide.

 Assi encourages other aspiring Arab American actors to chase their dreams.