Los Angeles, CA – February 18, 2026 – SAG Award-nominated and award-winning South African actor Stelio Savante (The Chosen) continues to expand his four-decade career with a slate of emotionally powerful true-story film adaptations that are drawing audiences and earning critical praise.
Known for tackling complex historical and real-life roles, Savante’s recent work includes three notable projects: the war drama Stay Forte, the survival thriller Hazel’s Heart, and the inspirational historical film Sarah’s Oil.
Stay Forte
Based on true events, Stay Forte is a war drama centered on three Israeli hostages — Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka — who escaped their Gaza captors but were tragically killed while attempting to reach Israel after being held in terror tunnels.
Directed by Doron Eran and written by Omri Rose and Tomer Almagor, the film stars Savante opposite Selma Blair and Judd Hirsch, alongside Shahar Tavoch, Tomer Machloof, Wael Hamdun, Roy Vongtama, and Johnny Arbid.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in Spring 2026, with additional details to be announced soon.
On joining the project, Savante shared:
“I was terrified of the subject matter, and very afraid of that Bassam role… learning Arabic (both some of the language and playing it phonetically), understanding his world and his motives… these were all a mountain to climb… but that’s nothing compared to the courageous hostages and what they endured. I wanted to do something to help, to get their stories out there. Doron is a brilliant filmmaker, and I’m forever grateful to him, and especially to producers Gabrielle & Tomer Almagor, who invited me to join their journey.”
Hazel’s Heart
In addition to Stay Forte, Savante plays the male lead, William Miner, in the true-story survival thriller Hazel’s Heart, starring opposite Madelyn Dundon and Laurie Fortier.
Written and directed by Daniel Bielinski, the film recounts the harrowing March 1920 blizzard in which three children, including William’s daughter Hazel Miner, become lost and must fight to survive while their father desperately searches for them before time runs out.
Savante also serves as an executive producer on the project. The film was released in December 2025 and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films. It is currently streaming on Angel Studios, Digital platforms, and Prime Video.
Savante praised the story and its filmmaker, stating:
“Writer / Director Daniel Bielinski gave Hazel Miner a voice in the cinematic landscape, and she’s the consummate American heroine, which is why it’s important for films like this to get out there.”
The Independent Critic wrote of Savante’s performance:
“Convincing both as the gruff, unforgiving father and the relentlessly devoted man doing whatever it takes to save his children, Savante adds much of the electricity that engagingly moves Hazel’s Heart forward.”
Sarah’s Oil
Savante also stars as Earl Raskin in Sarah’s Oil, opposite Zachary Levi, Garrett Dillahunt, and Sonequa Martin-Green.
The film tells the remarkable true story of eleven-year-old Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she is allotted — and whose faith proves justified.
Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, who co-wrote the script with Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh, the film has received nominations from both the NAACP Image Awards and the Movieguide Awards. It was released theatrically and is now available on digital through Amazon MGM Studios.
Reflecting on the project, Savante said:
“Cyrus and Betsy Nowrasteh’s script gave me goosebumps… it reminded me of South Africa’s history with racism — and I was sadly unaware of Sarah Rector’s story and how important it was through the backdrop of the Oklahoma oil rush. Cy is an absolutely fearless and unapologetic filmmaker & that’s exactly why this film and its subject matter needs to be seen… history must be remembered so that it isn’t repeated.”
Gazettely added:
“Earl Raskin, played by Stelio Savante, brings coarse menace, a blunter instrument who fails upward until he fails loudly. Motive is simple. Greed, unadorned.”
Representation
Stelio Savante is represented by Opus Entertainment, Maverick Artists Agency (Los Angeles), Linda McAlister Talent (Regional USA), Figjam Agency (South Africa), VOX, and The Harter Allen Agency (London).
With Stay Forte, Hazel’s Heart, and Sarah’s Oil, Savante continues to demonstrate his commitment to telling meaningful, challenging stories rooted in real-world history — solidifying his place as one of the most compelling character actors working today.
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