Miss India USA Plays Lead Role in the Film "Night of Henna"

Pooja Kumar Lead in "Night of Henna"

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." Others cast members 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. Primarily a commercial and voice-over actor, this is Suhail's first independent feature. 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 San Francisco State University March 3rd, "Night of Henna" opens March 4th 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 Newark, Freemont and Daly.

About Illuminare Entertainment

Illuminare Entertainment is a new Los Angeles based Independent Film Distribution Company that partners with independent production companies to develop, produce, and distribute worldwide family entertainment. "Crutch," a social drama, opened at the New York's Quad Cinema to a respectable $14,189 box office and will open in Los Angeles April 8th. Other up coming releases includes "First Morning," which won the "Best Feature Film at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, and "The Amazing Floydini" by three-time Emmy winner Brent Sterling Nemetz ("Souls of New York").

About Phenomenon Films

Phenomenon Films is a San Francisco based production company dedicated to creating cinema that not only entertains, but leaves audiences with something to contemplate for the betterment of all human beings. The mission of the company is to help build bridges between nations and cultures. The company is currently developing the script "Strange Feelings" for their next film.

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Distributed by Market Wire

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