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Monday, May 20, 2013
Hawaii Filmmakers Investigate 'Honor Killings' in US
By News Release @ 5:45 PM :: 5293 Views

News Release from Smart Lips Productions Honolulu, HI – May 20, 2013

Hawaii-based Smart Lips Productions is in the final stages of making their new film documentary, The Price of Honor, set to release in March 2014. The Price of Honor reveals details never before seen or heard about the murders of Sarah and Amina Said, two teenage sisters from Texas who were killed in a premeditated “Honor Killing” planned and executed by their father Yaser Said back in 2008, who is still at large and remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.

 Amina and Sarah Said

Through their research these producers have found many details about the case never revealed by the media, including a secret unknown daughter Yaser Said had during the time he was married to Patricia, the girls’ mother, and the fact that Yaser Said allegedly murdered someone else in the past and was able to cover it up with the help of his family. The team has been working secretly and diligently for over two years with private detectives and together has come across new leads on Yaser Said and his whereabouts. In fact the team was so close that they were threatened to death during their time in Texas.

Film producer Sogol Tehranizadeh, a freelance journalist working in the media industry for more than five years has a passion for investigative journalism and became part of The Price of Honor to help find justice for Sarah and Amina Said. Tehranizadeh is amazed by how much progress the team has done on this case in the last years.

“I look forward to finishing the film with my team to find justice for the Said sisters and bring awareness about Honor Killings and help in the fight against it,” Tehranizadeh says.

An "Honor Killing" is the practice in which a family member is murdered by another member in efforts to defend the family honor.  "Honor killings" are popular in many cultures and directed mostly against women and girls, but have also been extended to men. An estimated 20,000 people are victims of this practice every year.

The efforts of this film will bring awareness to the fact that “Honor Killings” are now spreading to the United States. Producers are hoping it will help put a stop to these heinous crimes and bring justice to these two girls and anyone else who has ever been affected by an “Honor Killing.”

Is Yaser in New York City? Is he back in his native country, Egypt? How is he supporting himself? Is he getting any help? The Price of Honor will bring a different look at this story and a whole new theory on the chase after Yaser Said.

Following the path of the award winning film Freedomless, about global domestic abuse, The Price of Honor will set up a fundraiser event and in this occasion a photography campaign against “Honor Killings”. Proceeds will go towards the investigation, finishing of the film and to create a fund that will help increase the award amount that the FBI is offering to catch Yaser Said, which is currently $14,000.

Directors and producers of the film, Neena Nejad and Xoel Pamos are both committed to bring out the truth and help all those affected by this story. Nejad is a filmmaker and photographer, with expertise in photojournalism and travel photography. She holds an extensive career in production and mainly works in the genre of documentary and Reality TV. Nejad appreciates the intimacy and art of documentaries and she hopes that the United States develops new laws that will acknowledge Honor Killings in this country and help possible victims get help before it’s too late.

Pamos has been working in the film-tv industry for 16 years, as an actor, spokes model and film producer. Freedomless, Lobos Sucios and Jumping are just a few films produced my Pamos. His passion lies in humanitarian projects and he is an activist in the fight against domestic violence. Pamos was heartbroken when he first learned about this story and then decided to search for justice.

“I hope that people who learn about this story will feel the same way and join the fight against these crimes so together we can stop these murderers,” Pamos says.

For more information about this film check the link below. Please email the producers for evidence and father information or to request an interview.

            Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepriceofhonor             

Smart Lips’ previous projects have broadened social awareness and provided a deeper understanding of communities that are often marginalized by the mainstream media. Smart Lips strives to create intimate films that leave viewers with a renewed sense of self, an increased awareness of important issues, and most of all, seek to inspire them to take action.

Strive for truth,

Be at peace,

Let your imagination run wild!

-Smart Lips-

*****

Related: Honor Killing in Dallas

 
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