A fictional sequel to an semi-autobiographical original, American Fighter is an interesting proposition for a film and, at least in cinematic terms, shares a lot in common with the classic martial arts film Bloodsport – both deal with underground fighting and both have a connection to the real-life tales of their characters. In this case George Kosturos plays the alter-ego of producer Ali Afshar – whose story of moving from Iran to America and fitting in by becoming a top-class athlete was told in the 2016 film American Wrestler.

Part coming-of-age drama, part martial arts actioner, American Fighter is the follow up to producer Ali Afshar’s biopic American Wrestler: The Wizard, only this time he takes his alter ego — Ali Jahani — outside of his real world story and into the world of illegal underground MMA streetfighting. Making its world premiere at this year’s Fantasia Fest, it’s chock full of the tropes that you’d expect in a film about a young man thrust into fighting for money, but sometimes that’s exactly what a film of this type should do.

Now two-thirds of the way through a 30-day film shoot, locally-raised producer and actor Ali Afshar has returned to Petaluma to make the sequel to his recently released sports film "American Wrestler: The Wizard." That's why observant Petalumans may have noticed the likes of Sean Patrick Flannery (Indy on the "Young Indiana Jones" series, among other roles), Tommy Flanagan ("Gladiator," "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2"), and two-time Emmy winner Bryan Craig ("General Hospital") out and about in town...

'American Fighter' Film Launches With Tommy Flanagan, Bryan Craig, Sean Patrick Flanery.