Barack Obama Saved My Son's Life By Said Faraj

by Said Faraj

Hello Global Grinders!

I have worked in this business for more than 20 years, but landing a role in Green Zone was an opportunity of a lifetime.  Working with Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass was an honor, as well as a quick lesson in overcoming my fears and getting the job done!

We filmed in Morocco and London for four and half months, and it was there that I witnessed Matt Damon transform into a hard-hitting U.S. army officer. The ease in which he was able to get into character was amazing – but also convincing – which helped me to become the Iraqi officer that I was portraying.

My first scene with Matt is one I will never forget. The director yells, “ACTION” and suddenly I’m face-to-face with Matt, ready to say my lines and then….nothing.  My heart is racing and mind is saying, “It’s Matt Damon! It’s Matt Damon!”  I finally snap back to reality and realize Matt is repeating his line for me to jump back into the scene. My lines come back, and we’re off and running.