Vano Rafik as “Yas”

A first time actor, Iraqi born Vano migrated to Australia at the age of eight to escape civil war. He was able to walk to many of the locations where the film was shot as he lives in the area.

Not only were the locations real, the storyline was too, he explains.

“I definitely related to the racism and the street fights and the issues at school. And I definitely can relate to John and Charlie's relationship. I went through bad stuff at school and mixing with the wrong crowds and the only way I could get out of it was by trying to learn from older relatives and friends and they showed me the right path.”

At first he did not believe that he had the talent to act in a feature film, but David gave him the encouragement he needed.

“He was awesome. I don’t think I could have ever done this - being an actor. Working with David gave me a once in a lifetime opportunity. David put all the confidence in the world in me. He showed me that I can do it and that I can be something better,” he said.