Overwhelming Personal Loss and Horrific Orders to Torture Awaken a Policeman's Conscience in Requisite Films' "Sandstorm"

    LOS ANGELES, CA, July 31, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A shocking and haunting view of a world seldom seen, the award-winning Sandstorm opens for exclusive engagements in New York at the Village East on September 4 and in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Music Hall on September 11. The first film being released under the recently established Requisite Films banner, Sandstorm is further distinguished by its introduction of six talented actors and the memorable directorial and writing debut of Michael Mahonen.

Sandstorm tells the story of Hetian Ying, a mid-level Chinese police officer. For twelve days and nights, he and his wife are trapped in their home during a massive sandstorm covering a large area of China. They are devastated that their young daughter is missing in the storm, electricity and phone communication have been cut off, and their food, water and medical supplies are running out. Caring for his dying wife in this isolation, Hetian Ying's conscience starts to emerge. As a policeman, he was involved in the horrific persecution of common Chinese citizens who follow the spiritual practice of Falun Gong--a practice, based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, which is in sharp contrast to Chinese government dictates.

Award-winning actor and President of Requisite Films, Michael Mahonen wrote and produced the film while delivering his directorial debut. As an actor, Mahonen has performed in numerous film, television and stage works in his native Canada and the U.S. He won Canada's Gemini Award for Best Performance By a Leading Actor in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series and was nominated three additional times for his portrayal of Gus Pike in Disney's Emmy and Cable Ace Award-winning series, Avonlea.

Sandstorm evolved from Mahonen's adoption of the Falun Gong practice and research into first-hand accounts of persecution and deception by Chinese government propagandists. The police in China who are carrying out the persecution were the initial target audience for the film.

"Sandstorm is meant to shed light on a critical human rights issue barely acknowledged by people inside or outside of China using the uniquely powerful medium of film," Mahonen stated. "The situation in China remains urgent as average Chinese citizens of all ages and walks of life are barbarically persecuted and have nowhere to appeal. It is hoped that Sandstorm can help awaken conscience outside of China as well."

The passion for the subject matter and mission of bringing it under a spotlight through film transcended money for everyone involved, resulting in a feature film being produced for under $5,000. As a pre-release work in progress, Sandstorm earned 29 significant creative awards at numerous film festivals that included eleven best picture nods.

Executive Producer for Requisite Films Deborah Esayian stated, "Requisite Films will make films about stories that others are reluctant or unwilling to tell. Sandstorm brings awareness to an atrocity happening right now to innocent people."

An NTD Films and Requisite Films' production, Sandstorm stars six bright talents including: Rong Tian (Hetian Ying), Lili Li (The Practitioner), Angela Huang (Young Policewoman), Steve Hong (Supervisor), Cheng Guang (Young Policeman), and Zeng Ziyu (Tong Mou).

Sandstorm was executive produced by Joe Wang, director of photography/editor was David Chai, and the sound editor was Corban Hu, all of NTD Films, a New Tang Dynasty company.

For additional press materials and more information please visit: http://www.emmisinteractive.com/michaelmahonen

Contacts:
Beve Regas or Bryan Cole (818) 566-9769 [email protected] / [email protected] (Los Angeles)
Dianne E. Collins (917) 442-3972 [email protected] (New York)

Requisite Films:
The mission of Requisite Films is to produce entertaining and enlightening films of integrity that awaken conscience and inspire compassion. Energy and focus combined with an innovative approach to financing, distribution and marketing define the unique character of this independent film company.

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