CAIR-LA 'Towelhead' Dialogue to be Included on DVD (LOS ANGELES, CA, 9/19/08) - The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today announced that a filmed dialogue on racism and ethnic slurs will be featured on the DVD release of the new Warner Bros. production "Towelhead."

CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush participated in the dialogue that sought to highlight the intolerance inherent in the derogatory term "towelhead" and bring attention to community concerns about the possible acceptance of that term in mainstream society. Director Alan Ball and actors Peter Macdissi and Summer Bishil took part in the dialogue. The dialogue is now available for viewing on the film's website.

SEE: Warner Bros.-Sponsored Dialogue on Film 'Towelhead': http://wip.warnerbros.com/towelhead/name.html#video1jump

"It is important to recognize and challenge the intolerance and bigotry behind derogatory terms such as 'towelhead,'" said Ayloush. "We wish to thank Warner Bros. for reaching out to community groups and for making the effort to address concerns about the film's title."

The Warner Bros website also features a dialogue with representatives of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), as well as statements from CAIR and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).

CAIR-LA sent a letter to studio executives late last month urging them to call the film "Nothing is Private," a title previously used in some markets.

SEE: CAIR Asks Studio to Change 'Towelhead' Film Title

http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?mid1=777&&ArticleID=25369&&name=n&&currPage=1

SEE ALSO: Video: CAIR-LA Rep Discusses 'Towelhead' Film Title (ABC7)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i90f_jR-Tts

CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. CAIR's mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator
Munira Syeda

(714) 776-1847, (714) 851-4851
E-Mail: info@losangeles.cair.com