EXPAT (2026)
Disillusioned with political unrest and personal turmoil, a successful filmmaker flees to Mexico, where he unexpectedly becomes embroiled in a cartel’s plot to create a film that casts them as heroes—forcing him to navigate a dangerous blend of creativity, corruption, and cultural identity.
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Carlton J. Streeter IIDirectorEXPAT, Scam Likely
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Carlton J. Streeter IIWriterEXPAT, Scam Likely
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Carlton J. Streeter IIProducerEXPAT, Scam Likely, Zero
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Eric RobertsKey Cast"President Steven Sax"The Dark Knight, Runaway Train, Expendables
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Collie Jay SimmonsKey Cast"Hero Jones"Beached, Monster, The Charisma Killers
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Isadora OrtegaKey Cast"Catarina Rojas"Another Love Story, Hope Street Holiday,
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Ric OliveraKey Cast"Arturo Cordero"The Gentle Art, Fetty, Cypher
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Jorchual VargasKey Cast"Arturo Jr."Empanarcos, Ni Aquí Ni Allá (Neither Here Nor There), Simón
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Project Type:Feature
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Runtime:2 hours 13 minutes
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Completion Date:January 16, 2026
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Production Budget:110,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English, Spanish
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Shooting Format:Digital (Blackmagic)
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Aspect Ratio:1:85:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
Carlton J. Streeter II is a Los Angeles–based filmmaker, writer, and producer whose work blends grounded drama, elevated action, and socially conscious storytelling. As founder and CEO of SI Productions LLC, Streeter oversees a slate of independent features and series designed to merge cinematic scale with authentic human perspective. His debut feature, EXPAT, showcases his hands-on approach to filmmaking—from writing and directing to editing and visual composition—reflecting a deep commitment to story, character, and visual craft. Under SI Productions, Streeter is building a connected universe of bold, original films that explore identity, power, and consequence in modern society. Driven by precision, passion, and purpose, he represents a new generation of filmmakers bridging indie innovation with Hollywood-level execution.
As a filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to stories that use humor and genre to explore serious ideas. With *Expat*, I wanted to create an action-comedy that entertained audiences while asking questions about power, propaganda, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.
The film follows Hero Jones, a disillusioned filmmaker who leaves the United States in search of a different life, only to find himself caught between competing forces all trying to shape reality for their own purposes. Through cartels, intelligence agencies, politicians, and media figures, *Expat* explores how institutions influence the narratives that define our world. While the film approaches these ideas through satire and absurdity, the questions at its core are deeply human: Who gets to tell the story? What happens when truth becomes a commodity? And where do we find belonging when every side demands our loyalty?
I have always believed that audiences are most receptive to challenging ideas when they are entertained. Rather than presenting a lecture, I wanted *Expat* to feel like a fast-moving adventure filled with action, comedy, and larger-than-life characters. My goal was to create a film that could make audiences laugh one moment, then leave them reflecting on its themes long after the credits roll.
As an independent feature, *Expat* was built through determination, collaboration, and a shared belief in the project from cast and crew. Every person involved helped bring this world to life, and their contributions are visible in every frame.
Ultimately, *Expat* is about the search for freedom—not only freedom from governments, institutions, or expectations, but the freedom to define ourselves. I hope audiences leave the film entertained, engaged, and perhaps a little more curious about the narratives that shape their own lives.