Who and What We Are

We made our documentary film Valentino's Ghost because we want to help build bridges with this film, bridges of understanding that can lead to tolerance, to take steps on the path towards justice, and even toward the peace that comes with it. 

It's about how America's foreign policies in the Middle East drive and shape the way that way that Arabs, Muslims and Islam are portrayed by the mainstream media and Hollywood.  We start with the romantic, exotic Arab of Rudolph Valentino's "Sheik" films, and end with the Arab Muslim today, as the embodiment of evil.  What happened? 

We're finally done after ten years of research, shooting and editing our "passion project."  It premiered internationally at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, one of only FOUR American documentaries to be invited. It opened theatrically in NYC and LA, for a successful one week run to qualify for Academy Award ® consideration for Best Documentary film of 2013 ! 

Valentino's Ghost is designated a CRITICS' PICK by The New York Times!  Their excellent review is here.  The Village Voice also gave it a rave, here.   

We'd love to open theatrically in America's ten largest media markets!  And then broadcast the full-length version on TV or cable!  Following that, we will make it available on DVD, Video on Demand, and streaming everywhere.    

Spreading the word about Valentino's Ghost requires publicity, which requires funds. That's where you come in.  And all your support is 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!

Valentino’s Ghost entertains and informs, against the backdrop of America's fear and loathing of Arabs and Muslims and Islam.  We ask questions. What is the real reason "they" hate us so much?  Why did 9/11 actually happen?  What is it about the Middle East that the mainstream media and our Government hide from most Americans, and why?   Are turbans and beards inherently scary? Why is it that we're always bombing brown people?  

Help us overcome our culture's and Government's animosity towards Middle Easterners and followers of Islam.  Help take a step towards increasing understanding, and even peace.  

L to R:  Producer Catherine Jordan; The New York Times Middle East correspondent, the late Anthony Shadid; Dir/Prod Michael Singh.  In Seattle after our interview.   He died in Syria.  We dedicate "Valentino's Ghost" to his memory. 

What We Need 

Here's where your money will go in order of priority, and remember, if you wish, you will receive a receipt for a 100% tax-deduction from our non-profit org.  

1.  Publicity and promotion.  

2.  Special screenings of "Valentino's Ghost" 

3.  DVDs of Valentino's Ghost and a "Take Action!" instructional pamphlet to all members of Congress.

4.  Film poster designed, printed, and distributed.  

5.  Website re-designed and re-built. 

This is a film which must be seen by everyone in this country, especially the politicians in Washington. -- Elliot Kanbar, President, QUAD Cinema, NYC

^L

^{L to R:  Producer Catherine Jordan, interviewee John ("The Israel Lobby") Mearsheimer, Dir/Prod Michael Singh, DP Michael Torino, at The University of Chicago after our interiview.}  

Britain's most highly awarded foreign correspondent, Robert Fisk (R) with Dir/Prod Michael Singh (seated) and DP Darren Rydstrom.  USC Library.  

Short of global warming, we can think of no more horrible international problem that grabs the headlines but "never gets solved," than the so-called Middle East "peace process."  We believe that through educating, informing, and entertaining, Valentino's Ghost can help increase understanding, and decrease violence, between the mainstream American culture, and the cultures of Arabs and Muslims.  

Be a part of the change you wish to see in the world, as Gandhi said.  Twelve non-profit foundations trusted us to make a brilliant film, and we delivered.  Now we're asking for YOUR trust, to help us bring our film into theaters, living rooms, classrooms, and Washington DC's negotiation rooms.  Yes, YOU can help us do that!  

REMEMBER:  all donations are tax deductible, from our non-profit org.

If you are in a financial position where you can't contribute dollars, there are STILL ways you can help!  Make some noise about our campaign!  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Spread the word!

Together we can make this happen.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

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For $100 and up, you'll get a signed DVD of Valentino's Ghost (this 95-minute pre-release edition is unavailable elsewhere), a transcript of the film on PDF, and this T-shirt to let the world know you're passionate about peace!