Jahar (2016)
A short drama about friendship, loyalty, and the shattering aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Jahar - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jahar
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Henry Hayes
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 13m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
Jahar - Plot
In the days after the Boston Marathon bombing, a young man must come to terms with the fact that one of his friends is involved.
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Jahar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Henry Hayes
Main Cast
- Devante Lawrence
- Andre Ozim
- Andrew Raia
- Alberto Rosende
Writers
- Henry Hayes
- Zolan Kanno-Youngs
Producers
- Lizzie Shapiro
Jahar - FAQs
What is Jahar about?
Jahar is a short drama set in the tense days following the Boston Marathon bombing. It centers on a young man named Jackson who struggles to process the devastating revelation that one of his close friends was involved in the attack, exploring themes of loyalty, shock, and moral reckoning.
Is Jahar based on a true story?
Yes, Jahar draws directly from real events. The title references Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the perpetrators of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The film imagines the emotional experience of a friend discovering that someone they knew was responsible for such a devastating act.
Who directed the short film Jahar?
Jahar was directed by Henry Hayes, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside journalist Zolan Kanno-Youngs. Hayes additionally served as the film's editor, making this a deeply personal creative project for him across multiple roles.
Who are the main actors in Jahar?
The cast features Devante Lawrence as Jackson, Andre Ozim as Mo, Andrew Raia as Jahar, and Alberto Rosende as David. Each actor brings a grounded, naturalistic quality to their role, lending the film an intimate and emotionally authentic feel.
How long is the film Jahar?
Jahar runs for just 13 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs a considerable emotional punch, using its tight focus to explore the psychological weight of betrayal and complicity in the wake of a national tragedy.
When was Jahar released?
Jahar was released on April 16, 2016 — notably close to the anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which took place on April 15. That timing feels intentional, grounding the film's emotional resonance in a moment of collective remembrance.
What are films similar to Jahar?
If Jahar resonated with you, you might enjoy Anuja (2024), The Neighbors' Window (2019), Snow Steam Iron (2017), or Murina (2022). For short films with comparable dramatic intensity, Menuett (2019), Bleach (2021), and On My Way (2021) are also worth exploring.
Who wrote the screenplay for Jahar?
The screenplay was co-written by director Henry Hayes and Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a journalist known for his reporting on race and national security. Their collaboration brings both narrative craft and real-world journalistic insight to the story's sensitive subject matter.
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