'Son of Babylon' - in UK Cinemas from 11th February (27/01/2011)
After a phenomenally successful tour of the world's leading film festivals in 2010, multi award winning Leeds / Iraqi feature film Son of Babylon is finally released at cinemas in the UK from 11th February. Son of Babylon, which tells the story of a mother's desperate search for her son in Iraq following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime is directed by Mohamed Al Daradji and produced by Isabelle Stead at Human Film with support from Screen Yorkshire and the UK Film Council. Co-written by Mohammed Al-Daradji and Jennifer Norridge, Son of Babylon has consistently screened to critical acclaim at festivals across the globe, picking up a host of awards and nominations, including the highly coveted Raindance Award at the BIFAs in December.
ORGANISE YOUR OWN SCREENING!
Can't find a screening near you? To celebrate the release of Son of Babylon, Dogwoof is making the film available for community screenings from its official release date, 11th February. The Ambassadors Programme allows individuals and local groups (THAT'S YOU!) to host their own screenings and to use the events as a way of generating money for themselves in addition to the film. If you who would like to bring Son of Babylon to your community, sign up to the Ambassadors Programme and take part in the film's national release!
Visit the Son of Babylon website for a full list of UK screenings and more about hosting your own screening.
SHORT SYNOPSIS
Son of Babylon takes us to Northern Iraq, just two weeks after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Ahmed, a 12-year-old boy and his grandmother begin a poetic tour of the country in search of Ahmed's father who never returned from the Gulf war. From the mountains of Kurdistan to the sands of Babylon, they hitch rides from strangers and cross paths with fellow pilgrims, on all too similar journeys. This journey will lead the boy to come of age.
DIRECTOR Q&A - SHOWROOM, SHEFFIELD: 15th FEBRUARY, 6PM
An unmissable opportunity to join director, Mohamed Al Daradji at this very special screening of Leeds / Iraqi feature film Son of Babylon in the week of its UK release. Find out what all the fuss is about for yourself and gain behind the scenes insight into the making of this unique and extraordinary film. Booking
“Beautifully directed by Mohamed Al-Daradji, and featuring a magnificent performance from young Yasser Talib as Ahmed, Son of Babylon is both a fulfilling cinematic and emotional experience.” Indiewire Staff
“Visually ravishing and politically earnest…production values are first-rate…” – John Anderson, Variety
“Al-Daradji’s road movie delivers an emotional wallop at first sight… a remarkable choice of performers…”- Dan Fainaru, Screendaily.com
'Compelling viewing' - Global Post
'True emotional force..' - Hollywood Reporter
'Mature and artistic.......the film's humanitarian content has globally impacted audiences, critics and juries alike.'Abu Dhabi Film Fest
AWARDS, SELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS
Raindance Award at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), Best Film at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival, NETPAC award at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, Amnesty International Film Prize Award & Peace Prize Award at Berlin IFF, The Award for Artistic Achievement at the IFF Cinema City Serbia, Best International Film, Raindance IFF, Seattle IFF Emerging Master Award, Grand Jury Prize, Hawaii IFF.
The producers of the film hope the awards will all go further towards spotlighting their associated IRAQ'S MISSING campaign that is lobbying for the identification of Iraq's missing people in a more efficient way. The campaign has the backing of the Ministry of Human Rights in Iraq. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/iraqs-missing-campaign
Son of Babylon has the support of partners from across the globe: Iraq Al-Rafidain, Crm-114, Cinema Production Centre, Sundance Institute, the UK Film Council, Screen Yorkshire, UK Trade & Investment, Fond Sud & CNC, Hivos, Doen, Nederlands Fonds voor de Film and Rotterdam Media Fonds, Jordan's Royal Film Commission, Sunnyland Film ART, Mawred Fund, Pyramedia and ADACH. Roissy Films is handling international sales.
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