Ashton Arbab To Direct, Star in 1970s Coming-of-Age Short Film Summer of ’76
Production begins August in Los Angeles, with a cast of Gen Z rising stars and a hand-picked creative team.
Los Angeles, CA – Actor and emerging filmmaker Ashton Arbab is bringing his lifelong love of 1970s music and style to the screen with Summer of ’76, a nostalgic coming-of-age short film that begins shooting in LA this August. Arbab serves as the film’s director, writer, producer, and lead actor, playing Jet Wilson, a teen chasing a rockstar dream on the open road.
Inspired by his personal connection to the era—his father, Tahir Arbab, styled music icons like Mick Jagger and David Bowie—Ashton describes the film as “a love letter to the ‘70s and a story about growing up, chasing your dreams, and staying true to yourself.”
The five-day shoot, taking place August 4–8, features a tight ensemble cast and a crew built entirely from the ground up through social media casting calls and community referrals. “We handpicked every crew member,” Arbab shared. “We’ve built our own village.”
Joining Arbab in lead roles are:
Francis Faye as Rome Thompson
Aliza Kate Barlow as Jade Carmichael
Lacey Claire Rogers as Renee Martin
Garrett Miller as Travis Holt
Brandon Bonilla as McKay/Johnny Static
Behind the scenes, the producing team includes Matt Sato, Kamden Riley, Cameron Tyler (EP), and Andrew Skinner (EP), with Nobi Won as Director of Photography, Perla Nunez as Costume Designer, and Kyle Smithee as Production Designer.
“The vibes that come with this film are going to be so good,” said Arbab. “It’s different than anything I’ve done before because I’ve never felt more connected to a story.”
For actress Aliza Kate Barlow, the script hit close to home: “When I saw the description for Jade, I immediately felt like I was her. I spent my teenage years in record stores, dreaming of becoming a musician. This project is my life on screen.”
The creative team describes Summer of ’76 as a celebration of youth, friendship, and freedom. “I think audiences will connect with the rawness and emotional truth of the story,” said Francis Faye. “It’s about asking, ‘What if it goes right?’ instead of always bracing for what could go wrong.”
With its vintage setting and Gen Z spirit, Summer of ’76 blends the golden energy of the past with the drive of the future. The team plans a robust festival run this fall, with the long-term goal of adapting the short into a full-length feature or series.
“Everyone loves a good coming-of-age story,” Arbab said. “And there’s something really special about setting it in a time where all you had was your friends, your music, and the next great adventure.”
Full Credits:
Ashton Arbab – Director, Writer, Producer, Jet Wilson
Francis Faye – Producer, Rome Thompson
Aliza Kate Barlow – Jade Carmichael
Lacey Claire Rogers – Renee Martin
Garrett Miller – Travis Holt
Brandon Bonilla – McKay
Matt Sato – Producer
Kamden Riley – Producer
Cameron Tyler – Executive Producer
Andrew Skinner – Executive Producer
Nobi Won – Director of Photography
Perla Nunez – Costume Designer
Kyle Smithee – Production Designer
Three words to describe Summer of ’76?
Exciting. Adventurous. Rock and roll.
