Historic Clash Between Peaceful And Violent Islamic Factions Presented In New Film On Omar Khayyam

PR Log (Press Release) – Aug 25, 2006 – (Los Angeles, CA, Aug. 25, 2006)   When director Kayvan Mashayekh set out to make a film on Omar Khayyam, the legendary 11th Century Persian Poet and Scientist, he didn’t expect to discover insights into contemporary events.  But the tension between his two primary characters resonates in today’s Islamic Religion, where diverging opinions over the course of the faith’s interpretation are on a collision course with Western ideals.

   “Omar Khayyam is a revered figure throughout the World, especially in the Middle East, because of his philosophy of reason above faith,” said Mashayekh.  “Many of his principles were couched in the concept that God has given you a mind and you have a duty to use it to and to seek the truth in your life,” he continues, “In our film, Omar’s best friend from childhood is the infamous Hassan Sabbah, considered by many as the original Osama Bin-Laden.  Hassan Sabbah was known as ‘The Old Man of the Mountains’ and hid himself in a mountain top castle where his followers conducted a campaign of terror by assassinating important public figures and martyring themselves in furtherance of a similar idea to exactly what is happening today.”  During the time when Omar lived, the First Crusades were launched, increasing the tension in the region by introducing a new clash of faiths between Christians and Muslims.

“The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam” is an English language Epic feature film which was an Official Selection at the 2005 Moscow International Film Festival.  This year, it has also received two prestigious international Awards for Best Directing and Costume Design from the World Academy of Art, Literature and Media.  The movie was shot almost entirely on location in Uzbekistan, where director Mashayekh was able to utilize impressive settings and 1000-year old structures.  The story is told through the eyes of a present day American boy as he hears the tale of his ancestor from his dying brother in flashbacks.

   “We’re extremely proud of the film, and especially pleased at the strong response we’ve received from theatrical audiences in America where it played in 14 US cities for nearly one year,” said Mashayekh.  “People really relate to the romance of the era, the love-story subplot, and the big-scale authentic production values one expects from historic epics,” concluded Mashayekh

“The Keeper: The Legend of Omar Khayyam” will be released to the DVD market on Tuesday, September 5th, with a suggested retail price of $24.95.  Videos will be available at many key retailers including Wal-Mart, Hollywood Video, Blockbuster Video, Hastings, Netflix and Amazon.com.  Additional information, including a trailer and images can be accessed at the film’s official website, www.KeeperMovie.com
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PRODUCT DETAILS:  
Title:  “THE KEEPER: THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM”
2004 Production / 2005 Theatrical Release (14 U.S. Markets) -- DVD Street Date:  Tues., Sept. 5, 2006
Item HH 00003 / UPC 1-85454-00003-2 , 95 Mins., Color, Dolby Stereo, MPAA Rated PG.  
English, with optional Persian and Spanish Subtitles.  Released in widescreen aspect ratio 1.85:1 / Closed-Captioned.  
Distributed by Hannover House, 1722 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR  72703 / www.HannoverHouse.com / Sales Contact: EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com
DIRECTOR KAYVAN MASHAYEKH IS AVAILABLE FOR TELEVISION, RADIO AND GENERAL INTERVIEWS / Contact Eric Parkinson at 818-481-5277 or Gloria Tenenbown at 713-249-6571 for scheduling.