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Koran By Heart

World Documentary Competition

World Premiere

USA, U.K. | 77 MINUTES | Arabic, Dhivehi, English, Tajik, Wolof, Buck |

KORAN BY HEART

Sports, Documentary

One of Islam's most revered traditions, Koran recitation reaches its pinnacle at the world's preeminent recitation competition in Cairo, where Muslim children come from across the globe to perform in front of a panel of prominent judges. Contestants as young as seven are ranked against kids more than twice their age for both their comprehensive memorization of the 600-page text as well as their improvised melodies. A diverse spectrum of Muslims competes for top prize: Ten-year-old Senegalese entrant Djamil navigates the competition alone while his community anxiously awaits his results; Rifdha, from a small island in the Maldives, enters as one of the competition's few female participants; and Nabiollah, from rural Tajikistan, mesmerizes judges with his angelic voice in spite of not speaking Arabic.

Following these talented youngsters from their intense preparation regimes through the rigorous rounds of the tournament, director Greg Barker creates both an inspirational competition film and an engaging survey of the unique experiences of Muslim children throughout the world, using the cultural crossroads of the international competition to examine the issues facing of the next generation of Muslims.


CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Greg Barker and Greg Barker

GREG BARKER is a former war correspondent who has worked in more than 50 countries. His films include the award-winning Ghosts of Rwanda and several other investigative films for PBS' Frontline. He directed and produced the award-winning documentary Sergio, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Oscar® and nominated for an Emmy.
Co-Producer
Chetin Chabuk, Christopher Buchanan
Line Porducer
Diane Becker
Composer
Claude Chalhoub
Editor
Langdon F. Page
Director
Greg Barker
Producer
Julie Goldman, John Battsek, Greg Barker
Director of Photography
Frank-Peter Lehmann
Executive Producer
Shelia Nevins, Nancy Abraham

CONTACTS

Print Origin
Chet Chabuk
Silverbridge Productions
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310 315 8700
ccemc@mac.com
Submitter
Nancy Abraham
Senior Vice President, HBO Documentary Films
HBO
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212 512 1149
nancy.abraham@hbo.com
Sales Contact
Dan Selig
HBO Worldwide Distribution
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212.512.1266
dan.selig@hbo.com
Print Return
Diane Becker
Silverbridge Productions
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310 315 8700
becker.diane@gmail.com