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Historic clash between peaceful and violent Islamic factions presented in acclaimed film, “The Keeper: The Legend Of Omar Khayyam”
(
Los Angeles
,
CA
) 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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE /
Sept. 6, 2006
CONTACT: ERIC PARKINSON / 818-481-5277 / EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com
New Dalai Lama DVD release delivers Life & Enlightenment
(
Los Angeles
,
CA
) The Dalai Lama, legendary Buddhist teacher and exiled leader of
Tibet
, is one of twelve spiritual leaders featured in a new DVD release entitled “On Life & Enlightenment: Principles of Buddhism with His Holiness, The Dalai Lama,” now available from Hannover House. This three disc set covers all major aspects of Tibetan culture, philosophy and Buddhism as well as commentary from actor Richard Gere and original music from Indian recording star Rahul Sharma.
“On Life and Enlightenment” explores Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism in all its various manifestations. Over the past thousand years, the Tibetans have crystallized the ideas of non-duality and realized the pathways of the mind. They developed techniques and rituals, each of which was designed to bring the adept closer to the spiritual heights held as the ideal. In these troubled times of worldwide political, economic and philosophical struggles, the principles featured on this DVD series appeal to many seeking spiritual enlightenment.
"This film series inspires reflection, beauty and prayer. They lead us deeper into the mysteries and wonders of true spirituality,” said Deepak Chopra, best selling author and spiritual leader. “It is rich with color, meaning and truth,” he concluded.
“We’re honored to be handling the prestigious release of the Dalai Lama’s first authorized DVD series,” said Eric Parkinson, President of Hannover House. “We are working with many key retailers, catalogs and on-line sellers to make this item as accessible as reasonably possible.”
“On Life & Enlightenment” was written by Nando Rau, directed by Kaushik Ray and produced by Neil Prashad and Jon Talarico for Toscano Trading, Inc. The item features two DVD discs and one audio CD containing approximately five hours of video programming and 45 minutes of music. In addition to the Dalai Lama, other featured leaders and teachers in the program include H.E 12th Tai Situ Rimpoche (Regent to the 17th Karmapa), H.E. Drubwang Penor Rimpoceh (Head of Nyingmapa Sect), H.E. Sakya Trizin Rimpoche (Head of Sakya Sect), H.E. Menri Trizin Rimpoche (Head of Bonpo Sect), Anila Tenzin Palmo (British Nun), Ngagspa Karma (Tantric Adept) and Tulky Anjam (Incarnate Lama).
Item Number 3333 / UPC 7-61450-33333-8 / Distributed by
Hannover
House, 1722 N. College Ave.,
Fayetteville
, AR 72703. For Review Copies or more information contact Eric Parkinson at 818-481-5277 or EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE /
Sept. 19, 2006
CONTACT: ERIC PARKINSON / 818-481-5277 / EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com
Oprah’s “Must See
Holiday
Movie” Coming to DVD November 7th
(
Los Angeles
,
CA
) “Christmas In The Clouds”, the 2005 theatrical comedy that Oprah Winfrey’s “O” Magazine called her “must see holiday movie,” will be released on DVD November 7th, by Hannover House.
The film tells the story of a struggling mountain resort that has a surprise visit from a major travel guide whose endorsement would bring instant success. But the hotel staff identifies the wrong guest as the secret reviewer and this sets in motion a comedy of mishaps, mistakes and mistletoe romance. “Christmas In The Clouds” stars Graham Greene, M. Emmet Walsh, Tim Vahle, MariAna Tosca and Sheila Tousey. The film was directed by Kate Montgomery, and produced by Mitchell Stein, Sarah Wasserman and the Community Band of Mohican Indians.
“This is a charming romantic comedy about a luxury hotel resort run by Native American Yuppies,” said Roger Ebert on his nationally televised film review show. “It should be seen by everyone, even you,” he concluded.
“’Christmas In The Clouds’ is an emphatically old-fashioned and family-friendly comedy,” wrote the San Francisco Chronicle. “A delightful romantic comedy,” said Daily Variety. “Uplifting” wrote USA Today.
The film was selected by “O” Magazine as “Oprah’s Must See Holiday Movie,” a coveted endorsement which should prove popular with video renters and consumers this season. The DVD will be released November 7th, with a suggested retail price of $19.95 for mass merchants. The film will also be available for video rental on DVD through Blockbuster Video, Netflix, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and other rental outlet nationwide.
For more information, check out: www.ChristmasInTheClouds.com.
PRODUCT DETAILS: Item HH 12253 / UPC 7-61450-12253-6 / 94 mins., Color, Stereo, Rated PG. Distributed by
Hannover
House,
1722 N. College Ave.
,
Fayetteville
,
AR
72703
. For Review Copies or more information contact Eric Parkinson at 818-481-5277 or EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPT. 26, 2007
Hannover House, Kosmic Films and Insight Studios tap Pam Anderson and Denise Richards for theatrical comedy, “Blonde & Blonder”
(
Los Angeles
,
CA
) Pop culture icon Pamela Anderson will be joined by “Scary Movie 3” star Denise Richards in “Blonde & Blonder,” a major new comedy from Hannover House, Canada Global Media and Insight Film Studios. The storyline chronicles the comedic misadventures of two, clueless ladies whose mistaken identities place them on a collision course with the police, mobsters, and two vengeful contract killers. The film commences principal photography October 11th in
Vancouver
, with additional photography occurring in and around
Niagra
Falls
. A May, 2006 theatrical launched is planned, following a theatrical premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Blonde & Blonder” will be helmed by director Bob Clark, based on a screenplay by Dean Hamilton, Gerry Anderson and Rolf Kanefsky. Producers will be Hamilton and Insight C.E.O. Kirk Shaw. International sales duties will be handled by Jonathan Laing at Rigel Entertainment with domestic release to be determined at a later date. Pending closure of a theatrical Prints & Ads fund, the
U.S.
release may be handled by Hannover House, with plans for opening on approximately 1500 prints,
May 25, 2007
.
Canada Global Media is the new production venture established by Dean Hamilton, whose previous credits include “
Savage
Land
”, “The Dream Team” and “Brother’s Destiny.” In the past two years, Insight Film Studios has emerged as one of Canada’s leading production companies and facilities, with over twenty films and television movies including the new Matthew Perry comedy, “Numb,” from director Harris Goldberg.
For More Information Contact ERIC PARKINSON at 818-481-5277 / EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 27, 2006
“Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories” delivers literary insights in epic spectacle
New feature film anthology to be released on DVD
November 7, 2006
(LOS
ANGELES
,
CA
) Ambrose Bierce was regarded as brilliant, cantankerous and opinionated, which he considered his due as the top selling American writer of the late 1800’s. His short stories, first published in the San Francisco Examiner and later released in collections such as his “Tales of Soldiers and Civilians,” became international best sellers. Some of the most popular Bierce writings were from his experiences as a soldier during the Civil War, and a new feature film presents three of his most famous battle tales.
“Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories” is a 2006 production from Hannover House and Don Maxwell Productions, starring acclaimed actor Campbell Scott in the title role. The film recreates epic battles and stories from the U.S.-Confederate Civil War, including a new adaptation of the Academy Award nominated “An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge.” Other stories include “One Kind of Officer” and “Story of A Conscience,” skillfully wrapped within a framework of an historic meeting between Bierce, his publisher William Randolph Hearst, and his protégé’, novelist Gertrude Atherton.
In addition to Campbell Scott, the film features actress-novelist Vivian Schilling as Gertrude Atherton and introduces newcomer Nathan Darrow as William Randolph Hearst. Campbell Scott is regarded as one of the leading actors of his generation, with numerous film credits and awards. Schilling has also won several notable film awards and enjoys a popular following in the literary world from her successful novels “Quietus” and “Sacred Prey.”
“We wanted to balance the action and battles within Bierce’s stories, with his literary insights and sociological observations,” said Larry Garrett, Executive Producer of the film. “Campbell Scott and Vivian Schilling deliver an elegant touch to what is otherwise very intense material,” he concluded.
The film was produced and directed by Don Maxwell, an independent filmmaker living in
Kansas City
,
Missouri
where about three-quarters of the movie was shot... “An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge” was shot in
South Carolina
, and was produced by Susan Odom and directed by Brian James Egan. Other key personnel include Eric Parkinson and Denise M. Fields as Executive Producers, Jon McCallum as composer and visual effects from motion picture digital artist Bruce Branit (“
Sin
City
”). John Shipp, Butch Rigby, Brian Cutler and Jill Cutler complete the principal production team.
“Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories” is currently playing at the Screenland Cinema in
Kansas City
, on an exclusive theatrical engagement. It will be released on DVD November 7th from Hannover House at a suggested retail price of $19.95. Key retailers supporting the DVD release include Wal-Mart Stores nationally,
Hastings
, Borders, Netflix, Amazon.com, and selected Blockbuster Video locations. Distribution to retailers is being handled by Hannover House and Allumination Filmworks.
For more information or screening copies, contact Eric Parkinson at 818-481-5277 or EParkinson@HannoverHouse.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2006
Hannover
House Pacts with Allumination Filmworks
for Video Sales & Fulfillment
Fayetteville
,
AR
based independent film & video supplier Hannover House announced today that it has entered into a Sales & Fulfillment venture with Allumination Filmworks of
Woodland Hills
,
CA
. The new structure, effective immediately, will turn over to Allumination most of the field sales and order processing functions for Hannover House titles, effective immediately.
The first new release titles handled under the pact are “CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOUDS” and “AMBROSE BIERCE: CIVIL WAR STORIES,” being released on DVD November 7th. Additional upcoming Hannover releases covered under the new venture include “A GIFT OF LOVE FROM CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL”, “SERUM”, “EVEIL BEHIND YOU”, “THE HERA PROJECT”, “ANIMAL CLINIC” and a twenty additional new releases for 2007. The distribution pact will also include a slate of upcoming theatrical releases from Hannover House that will be announced in January.
Hannover House President, Eric Parkinson, described the venture as “an extension of our existing relationship and an acknowledgment of the rapid ascendancy of Allumination Filmworks as a major, independent distributor.” From 2003 until recently, Hannover House had been engaged as the sales representative for Allumination products to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “The infusion of new partners and titles into Allumination, culminating with their recent acquisition of certain assets of United American Video and Sterling Home Entertainment, gives them a powerful distribution presence,” said Parkinson. “We think that the Allumination team can open doors and retail accounts previously not accessible to Hannover House,” he concluded.
Under the venture, Hannover House will continue to market and manufacture all its releases, and will service a selected group of key accounts. Allumination will service all other wholesale and retail accounts in the
United States
, as well as provide fulfillment and order processing functions for most of the country.
Hannover House was established in 1993 and has operated continuously in the book publishing industry, adding DVD titles in 2003 when video industry veteran Eric Parkinson arranged for the purchase of the company.
Hannover
’s DVD list is over 85 titles now, and the company has just concluded a major financing venture to produce and acquire theatrical features for 2007. Prior to joining Hannover House, Parkinson had been President of Hemdale Home Video, Inc. in Los Angeles, during which time eight of his releases achieved number one chart status for key trade publications Billboard, Video Business and Video Store (now Home Media Retailing).
* * * * * * *
November 3, 2006
Industry-Works to handle International Front for
Civil War Stories and other
Hannover
House films
(
Vancouver
,
BC
) Industry-Works Distribution, the Vancouver based international film agency, has entered into a Sales Agency agreement with Hannover House for sales of four feature titles, including the newly completed feature, “Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories,” starring Campbell Scott and Vivian Schilling. The new pact was formalized at the American Film Market in
Santa Monica
,
California
today.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Eric Parkinson and Hannover House,” said Craig Adlard, Industry-Works VP of Sales. “In the past few years, Hannover House has emerged as a major independent supplier in the North American marketplace. Their production line-up for 2007 is impressive and should elevate them to even greater stature. We’re pleased to be working as their international sales agency, and hope to grow our business with
Hannover
in the coming years,” he concluded.
“I’ve worked with many of the principals of Industry-Works,” said Eric Parkinson, President of Hannover House. “They understand the special needs of independent producers, and they adhere to the higher standard of loyalty and integrity that we demand of our own operation and those working closely with us. This should be a mutually successful relationship,” he said.
The initial titles under the pact are “Ambrose Bierce: Civil War Stories,” a 2006 production; “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a 2007 production; and catalog titles “
Savage
Land
” and “Future Shock.” Industry-Works will represent these titles for all territories and media outside of
North America
, which is being handled by Hannover House.
For more information, contact ERIC PARKINSON at 818-481-5277
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