Bizarre World of Iraq's Notorious Dictator Revealed in Documentary `Uncle Saddam,' Released on...

Entertainment Editors

Topical News: War On Terrorism

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2003

"Intriguing and bizarre...Paints Saddam as the genocidal Jerry

Seinfeld. The madness of kings was never this mad."

-- Maureen Dowd, The New

The up-close-and-personal life of Iraq's maniacal dictator, Saddam Hussein, is captured in the fascinating documentary, UNCLE SADDAM, available April 2, 2003 on DVD for the first time from Xenon Pictures. The announcement was made today by Leigh Savidge, Founder, President & CEO of Xenon Pictures.

UNCLE SADDAM features the strange practices and erratic behavior of one of the world's most fanatical despots -- an obsessive-compulsive germaphobe whose idea of a relaxing fishing expedition involves powerful explosives and his servants, rather than the traditional hook, line and sinker. The film is not a spoof -- the footage is real and the translation is accurate.

Award-winning French filmmaker Joel Soler gained extensive access to Saddam under the guise of filming the country's architecture and the toll of UN sanctions against Iraq. Soler was able to capture the oppressive leader in a myriad of never-before-seen settings. He conducted interviews with key individuals in Saddam's inner circle and traveled to Jordan, Egypt, France and England to interview eyewitnesses. With a satiric tone, the documentary reveals the true nature of the man and the harsh conditions his people endure.

Comments Savidge, "Given the current political climate, UNCLE SADDAM offers U.S. audiences a candid look at the enigmatic Iraqi tyrant, focusing on his almost unbelievably bizarre habits and tendencies. Truth, in his case, is stranger than fiction."

Filmmaker Soler adds, "It is shameful the amount of power this man exerts over his people. While he lives an extravagant lifestyle, the Iraqi citizens live in squalor. I think the American people will find my documentary intriguing, informative and unexpectedly entertaining."

Packaged with a "100% Anti-Saddam" certification sticker, the new DVD offers 90 minutes of engaging footage, with narration written by "Kids In The Hall" alum Scott Thompson; an in-depth interview with Soler; "dictators of the world" trading cards; an interview with Saddam's former interior decorator (who has since "disappeared"); and graphic illustrations of Saddam's intertwined family tree.

UNCLE SADDAM has received critical acclaim at international film festivals, including the United Nations Association Film Festival, Amsterdam Documentary Film Festival, Bangkok International Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival, to name a few. In November 2002, Cinemax aired UNCLE SADDAM for the first time to U.S. television audiences, and the film has been featured in many publications, including USA Today, New York Times, Washington Times, Newsday, Los Angeles Times, and more.

Xenon Pictures, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based distributor of multi-cultural and "dynamic niche" films to the global marketplace.