-
Night of Henna - feature film
MOORPARK, CA--(MARKET WIRE)-- Illuminare Entertainment to release the first ever Pakistani-American produced film "Night of Henna" ("The Wedding Night"). Produced by Phenomenon Films, "Night of Henna" is about a beautiful Pakistani woman who must choose between her true love and that of an arranged marriage by her family. It's a young woman's struggle to be free and to make her own decisions. The story reflects the true feelings and challenges writer/producer/director Hassan Zee observed in his own Pakistani family as the result of arranged marriages.
The film stars Pooja Kumar, a former Miss India U.S.A., as the untainted Hava caught in the clash between cultures. "It's a timely story, very moving," states Pooja. "It's not about Hindu, Muslim or Christian, it's all about love." Pooja received the Screen Actors Guild Emerging Actor's Award for her role in "Flavors." The actress/model is also the face of "Bombay Dreams'" posters that are displayed all around New York City for the up coming Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway musical opening in late April.
Craig Maker, a Bay Area stage actor who has performed in many prestigious plays, portrays Hava's forbidden love interest. Craig received the Dean Goldman's Choice Award for his outstanding performance in "The Shape of Things."
Cast members also include Suhail Tayeb and Reef Karim. Suhail, whose exotic looks and demeanor won him the prestigious title of Mr. USA in 2002 (Manhunt International) plays the family's arranged suitor.
Reef Karim, ("Lords of Dogtown," "Laurel Canyon," and "Flavors") can be seen in the new international TV series "Force of One" with Sean Young, Gary Busey and Eric Roberts. He can also be seen displaying his various ethnicities and occupations on the soap "Days of Our Lives."
Hassan Zee is a writer, producer, and director with a rich and varied background. Though he holds a doctoral degree in medicine, filmmaking is his preferred medical practice. Through his work, Zee has discovered innovative ways of challenging rigid perceptions and prejudices to help build bridges between nations and cultures. "It's a different type of healing," states Doctor Zee, "one that confronts suffering and differences with the remedies of compassion and understanding."
A writer and director for Pakistan Television, Zee moved to the States six years ago and began producing the shows "Merijaan Pakistan" and "Voice of Pakistan." He also hosts "American Masala" a popular music and talk television show within the Pakistani and Indian San Francisco Bay Area community. "Night of Henna" is Zee's first feature film. He balances his creative projects in film and broadcasting with that of his medical practice.
Three-time Emmy and Oscar nominee Hiro Narita ("Never Cry Wolf," "Hocus Pocus" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids") shot the film on locations in the San Francisco Bay area. Sound Design is by William Storkson ("Lost in Translation" and "Adaptation").
Following its world premiere at Presidio Theater in San Francisco, March 4th, "Night of Henna" also opens at the Four-Star Theatre in San Francisco. On March 11th, the film opens at the newly renovated Lark Theater in Larkspur and The Century Theatres in Union City, Newark, Fremont and Daly City.
For more information visit the film's official website
http://www.nightofhenna.com
-
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
Bookmarks