The Andrew Klavan Show The Conservative Filmmaker Who's Found Success In Hollywood w/ Cyrus Nowrasteh
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Nov 26, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, filmmaker Cyrus Nowrasteh, known for his works like The Path to 9/11 and The Stoning of Soraya M., shares insights on his latest film, Sarah's Oil. He delves into the challenges of balancing fact and fiction in storytelling, especially with dark themes amidst a child-led narrative. Cyrus also reflects on the difficulties of marketing a period piece and the pressures of Hollywood's ideological landscape. With anecdotes about casting and unexpected audience reception, he highlights the evolving nature of filmmaking outside mainstream constraints.
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Origins Of Sarah Rector Story
- Cyrus Nowrasteh recounts discovering Sarah Rector's 1913 Oklahoma story and researching court records and local history to fill gaps.
- He calls the finished screenplay 'informed conjecture' validated when Rector's heirs said, 'That's her.'
Sweet Premise Doesn't Ensure Hits
- Cyrus emphasizes that sweet or inspirational premises alone don't guarantee commercial success.
- He stresses the film's darker elements and marketing compromises shaped its final audience reception.
Let Test Previews Guide Release Strategy
- Use test screenings to judge audience appetite and justify theatrical releases.
- High preview scores can convince studios to expand a film's release from streaming plans into theaters.
