BESA: The Promise New York City Premiere

NEW YORK - Sept. 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Manhattan-area movie lovers will get their first chance to see the award-winning film, BESA: The Promise. Featuring an original score by Philip Glass, the internationally acclaimed documentary will be presented at the Albanian Film Festival on October 6, 2014. The special screening at the SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, begins at 7:30pm.

BESA: The Promise follows the modern-day quests of two men: American photographer Norman H. Gershmann and Albanian toyshop owner Rexhep Hoxha. Their parallel journeys reveal the nearly unknown WWII story of thousands of Jews rescued in Albania, a majority Muslim country. The Albanian moral code of besa requires a promise of protection to anyone requesting it, and carries across generations. Rexhep's father sheltered a Jewish family who left behind three precious Hebrew books. Kept hidden during the nearly half-century of repressive communism following the war, Rexhep must now fulfill his father's besa and return the books - if he can find the family. When Rexhep meets Norman, an unexpected drama is set in motion, uniting fathers and sons, Muslims and Jews.

BESA: The Promise was produced by JWM Productions, LLC and supported by a National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures through Film grant. Emmy Award-winning Producer Jason Williams, and Eye Contact Foundation Executive Director Majlinda Myrto will be present for discussion after the film. According to Jason Williams, "We're delighted New Yorkers finally have a chance to see this beautiful and deeply moving film. With a score by the city's hometown composer, Philip Glass, it will open your ears as well as your heart."

To view a trailer, go to http://besathepromise.com