Showtime Network Airs Film Showcasing Post 9-11 Hate Crimes

Director Edford Banuel offers a look inside to being an Arab American in Land of the Free"

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 23, 2004 --While SHOWTIME is known for its presentation of diverse programming 12 months of the year, during Black History Month programs with African-American themes take center stage. Atlanta filmmaker Edford Banuel produces one of those films. His production company, EMB Filmworks, has put together a short film that shows the hate crimes Arab Americans faced after the tragedy of 9/11. This thought-provoking piece made its television premiere in February on SHOWTIME as part of the 2004 Showtime Black Filmmaker Showcase.

Set in the aftermath of 9/11, Land of the Free is the gripping story of an Arab-American man who becomes the victim of a hate crime that ends in murder. His only hope for freedom is an attorney with limited time and evidence to build a case. Shot entirely in Atlanta, with post-production services provided by LAB 601, the film's executive producers include Erroll Bailey and Patrick Jones. The film stars some of Atlantas finest talent Randy Cohlmia, Malcolm Spears, Jamie Renell, John Stoneburner, and Randy Weinstein.

In 2003, after winning the prestigious Showtime Black Filmmaker Showcase with his film Unjust Cause, an emotional look at police brutality, Banuel received a $30,000 grant from Showtime Networks Inc. Banuel then went on to write, direct, and produce Land of the Free. The film was co-produced by Shandra McDonald. I wanted to challenge the audiences perspective on guilt and innocence," explains Banuel. "In this film, we may not agree with some of the actions of the characters, but we can understand what drives them."

EMB Filmworks is committed to making films that highlights the triumph, strength, and determination of the human spirit. They have been writing, directing and producing independent videos and films since 1998. Since winning the 2003 Showtime Black Filmmaker Showcase, Banuel has been acknowledged as one of the best filmmakers coming out of Atlanta.

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