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Oscar winner's backing for S Tyne film
OSCAR-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley is backing a project due to start filming in South Tyneside next week.
The Gandhi star has thrown his weight behind the upcoming feature film Ali in Wonderland, directed by South Shields film-maker Tina Gharavi.
Ms Gharavi said: "I bumped into Sir Ben by chance a few weeks ago, but when I told him about the film, he was enthusiastic and offered to look at what we were doing.
"He's incredibly passionate about our film and what we are trying to do.
"And, of course, having the support of one of this country's biggest film icons means a lot to everyone involved."
Sir Ben said: "In our economic climate this is a film of vital importance.
"It is now, in this uncertain climate, that the innocent strangers in our midst could so easily be victimised.
"Tina aims to make a life-enhancing film. An important and much-needed film."
The film is a coming-of-age drama which tracks the lives of Iranian teenagers Ali and Nasrine, who have come to the region build a new life.
Ms Gharavi was herself forced to flee Iran in 1979 after the Islamic revolution.
She moved to the region in 1997 and has been living in South Shields for the last five years.
The script was developed with refugees and asylum seekers during seven months of workshops, and the film is also based on real events that
happened to the group, including the tragic murder in 2002 of Peyman Bahmani, the brother of one of the group members.
Ms Gharavi is now looking forward to starting the shoot.
"The next phase will be an enormous challenge, but what I have experienced working with these young people has been inspiring so I'm sure we will make it."
Sir Ben, who is also seeking to raise further support for the film, added: "I must wish Tina Gharavi a host of angels to help make her film Ali in Wonderland a success."
The film is being produced by Bridge + Tunnel Productions based in Newcastle.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
