Hallmark Channel Broadcast Premier of “SADAQA”

A new film that explores one of the most important foundations of Islam

ANAHEIM , CALIF. ( September 21, 2007) – ZAHRA PICTURES announces the broadcast premier of its new documentary film entitled SADAQA on Sunday, September 30 th 2007 on The HALLMARK CHANNEL as part of their morning series, “The World of Faith & Values”.

This film follows a group of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan in their mission to fulfill a religious belief... Sadaqa.

What is Sadaqa? How is it practiced? How does it compare to similar beliefs in Christianity and Judaism? What were the effects of 9/11 and terrorism on its practices? These questions and many others are answered in this in-depth look at one of the most important foundations of Islam.

Scholars featured in this film include:

Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini (The Islamic Educational Center of Orange County), Father Will Crist (Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church), Sheikh Sadullah Khan (Islamic Center of Irvine), Rabbi Arnold Rachlis (University Synagogue, Irvine) and  Imam Sadiq Safir (Ilm Foundation).

The film was produced by Ahmad Zahra and directed by Wesam Nassar.

Wesam Nassar is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and community activist, Wesam has traveled extensively to document various crises all over the globe. From Gaza and the West Bank in 2002 in the height of the Jenin massacre and Arafat compound siege, to Baghdad and Fallujah, Iraq in April 2004 at the start of the "insurgent" war, as well as to Bamako, Mali and Niamey, Niger in the midst of the famine and hunger crisis in 2005. Wesam is a recent graduate of the USC School of Cinema and Television. Sadaqa is Wesam’s first feature documentary.

Ahmad Zahra was born in Damascus, Syria and raised in both Syria and the United Kingdom.  After acquiring a Medical Degree from Damascus University, Ahmad went on to study Film, his first passion, at UCLA.

He then worked in Hollywood in various positions from development and production to distribution.  After several years with 20th Century Fox, Ahmad went on to found Zahra Pictures in response to a need for media that can bridge the gap between different cultures especially between the West and Islam. 

His first production through Zahra Pictures, On Common Grounds, premiered on the Hallmark Channel and continues to screen around the country at universities, libraries and other venues.  Currently, Ahmad has several new films including the documentary, Saudis in America, and the feature film American East starring Tony Shalhoub to be released in 2008.

ZAHRA PICTURES is an independent motion picture company based in Southern California.  It launched in 2004 with the aim of producing and distributing quality films and documentaries that celebrate cultural diversity, contribute to public dialogue, and provide a platform of understanding among different cultures with a special interest in stories that showcase the Arab and Muslim experience.

“Sadaqa” will be released on DVD in October and will be available from Zahra Pictures directly or from Amazon.com and other video retailers. 

To view the trailer of this film please visit YouTube Search: Sadaqa

For schedule confirmation please check your local listings or visit:
http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/publish/consumer/home/schedule.html
(Check for World of Faith & Values)

For more information contact:

Company: ZAHRA PICTURES LLC
Contact Person: Mr. Fahmi Farahat
2115 W Crescent Avenue, Ste 252
Anaheim , CA 92801 USA
(714) 999-1015 Tel
(714) 948 8076 Fax
E-Mail: contact@zahrapictures.com
Website: www.zahrapictures.com