The energy in Denis Shepherd’s voice is infectious as he sits down with AMFM Magazine to talk about his latest project, The Compatriots, a film that’s as timely as it is heartfelt. Released on September 16, 2025, across major platforms like Apple, iTunes, and Amazon, the film lands just a day before Citizen Day in the United States, amplifying its poignant exploration of immigration, identity, and belonging. For Shepherd, a Los Angeles-born actor and filmmaker, this project wasn’t just a role—it was a transformative experience that reshaped his perspective and deepened his craft.
Shepherd, a proud University of Arizona graduate with a degree in Film & Television Producing, is no stranger to the hustle of Hollywood. With credits including seven episodes of Paramount’s Paradise Lost alongside heavyweights like Josh Hartnett and Nick Nolte, as well as national commercials and improv performances at UCB, he’s carved a unique path in the industry. Behind the camera, he’s written and produced award-winning short films, collaborating with names like Disney, Google, Maroon 5, and executive producer Gale Anne Hurd. But The Compatriots—a story of friendship, resilience, and the undocumented experience—stands out as a career-defining moment.
“It was one big summer camp,” Shepherd laughs, recalling the month-long shoot in Boston. “Everybody was on set together every single day. I’d get there an hour or two early just to hang out with everyone.” The camaraderie wasn’t just a perk—it was the heartbeat of the production. One night, while filming a lively bar scene, Shepherd found himself surrounded by local extras, dancing, laughing, and swapping jokes into the early hours. “I was looking around, thinking, ‘This is the most fun I’ve ever had filming,’” he says. The joy of that moment radiates through the screen, infusing the film with an authenticity that’s hard to fake.
The Compatriots follows Javi (Rafael Silva), an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, and Hunter (Shepherd), his estranged best friend, as they reunite in a desperate bid to keep Javi in the only home he’s ever known. The film, directed by Spencer Cohen and loosely based on his own experiences, weaves together themes of immigration, friendship, and LGBTQIA+ identity with a nuanced touch. For Shepherd, the project was a chance to dive into a story that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. “It’s serendipitous that it’s coming out now,” he says, noting the film’s alignment with ongoing conversations about immigration and belonging. “I hope people come away with a little more compassion, patience, and understanding of experiences that might not be similar to theirs.”
Shepherd’s journey to The Compatriots was its own kind of leap of faith—a “Hail Mary moment,” as he calls it, referencing a term coined by AMFM’s co-host, Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Shepherd had never set foot in Boston when he got the audition call. The production wanted a local hire, but after submitting a self-tape, he faced a pivotal choice: do the callback over Zoom or go all in. “I said, ‘You know what? I’m just going to fly out there,’” he recalls. With no contacts, no place to stay, and no guarantees, he booked a hotel and hopped on a plane. The gamble paid off—he landed the role and spent five weeks immersed in a city he’d never known, building a performance that’s equal parts heart and grit.
That boldness defines Shepherd’s approach to his career. “You have to live a full life outside of being an actor or filmmaker,” he advises aspiring storytellers. “The experiences you have with friends, family, your hobbies, your passions—that’s what fuels you.” For Shepherd, those roots run deep. He credits his family—his parents and grandparents—for instilling a work ethic that keeps him grounded. “I think about how hard they worked to give me this life,” he says. “And I think about when I was a kid, how much I loved movies and how inspired I was. The thought of giving that feeling back to someone else—that’s what keeps me going.”
Working with director Spencer Cohen was a highlight for Shepherd, who describes their collaboration as seamless. “Spencer and I were on the same page the entire time,” he says. “He created such a collaborative environment for us to bring ourselves to the roles.” That trust allowed for moments of improvisation, adding a layer of authenticity to the film’s dialogue. Based on a true story, The Compatriots required careful navigation to honor its real-life inspiration while crafting a narrative fit for the screen. Shepherd’s connection with Cohen—and with his co-star Rafael Silva—brought the story to life in a way that feels both raw and relatable.
The film also opened Shepherd’s eyes to the realities of the undocumented experience. “Going into this, I was pretty naive,” he admits. “Connecting with Rafael and the script was a real learning lesson. It was about growth, understanding, and empathizing with what people are going through.” That personal transformation mirrors the film’s broader message: that dignity and respect can bridge divides, no matter how wide they seem.
As The Compatriots hits screens, Shepherd is already looking ahead. A short film he starred in is set to make waves on the festival circuit, and he’s writing and producing his own project. “I’m just kind of waiting to see what happens with this film and go from there,” he says with a grin. But one thing’s clear: Denis Shepherd is a storyteller to watch, driven by a passion for connection and a knack for taking risks that pay off. For now, he’s inviting audiences to join him on this journey—one that’s as much about heart as it is about home.
The Compatriots is now available on Apple, iTunes, Amazon, and all major platforms in the US and Canada. Don’t miss it.
