#1
From: Steve Sapienza (ssapienz@cdi.org)
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2002
Subject: Press release for DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War

Washington, DC -- DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War, a new documentary, presents a rare look at the rebel republic of Chechnya. DEADLOCK combines the efforts of New York Times national security correspondent Michael Gordon (formerly the Times Moscow bureau chief) and Russian filmmakers in a compelling documentary that takes viewers deep inside the brutal, decade-long struggle in Russia's breakaway republic.

This 40-minute documentary, produced by Azimuth Media for CNN Presents, offers an unprecedented view of how this protracted war is affecting both Russians and Chechens. Told through the eyes and voices of Russian soldiers and civilians as well as Chechen fighters and refugees, DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War features remarkable footage of a torn and broken land, including video footage -- never seen before on Russian or Western television -- of a Russian unit being ambushed. The filmmakers also gained exclusive access to the induction of a conscripted Russian soldier and shot rare interviews with Chechen rebel leaders.

The documentary is scheduled to air on CNN International on Saturday, June 15, at 8 p.m. (ET). The U.S. broadcast will air Saturday, June 22, 2002 at 8 p.m. and again on Sunday, June 23, 2002 at 7 p.m., 11 p.m., and 2 a.m. on CNN/U.S.

Narrated by CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour, DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War features Mr. Gordon's trip into dangerous and highly restricted areas of Chechnya and captures horrific scenes of war and brutality. The documentary also looks at the impact of the war on civilians, especially on the families of those fighting.

An on-again, off-again war since the mid 1990s, the Chechen conflict has alternately gained and lost the world's attention. In the wake of September 11, the politically charged conflict, which pits Russia against predominantly Muslim Chechen fighters, has taken on new meaning.

Russian president Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials have accused Chechen separatists of having direct links to al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. With the world's attention elsewhere, Russia has stepped up efforts to take down the rebels. Chechen fighters, however, say they want freedom and independence. Both vow to stay the course, whatever the cost. Meanwhile, human rights groups allege acts of brutality on both sides.

New York Times reporter Michael Gordon and Azimuth Media's Stephen Sapienza are available for interview about DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War. To schedule an interview call Eric London at 202-986-0033 x 105.

This documentary was produced by Azimuth Media in association with CNN Productions.

Support for this program was provided to Azimuth Media by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Azimuth Media is a non-profit production company based in Washington, DC, whose mission is to produce in-depth documentaries that investigate global security issues and present them to public audiences worldwide. Its goal is to make security-related topics relevant, comprehensible, and engaging for international and American audiences. Azimuth Media's documentaries, free from government and corporate influence, are crucial to fostering public understanding and informing policymakers about today's vital security issues. Visit www.azimuthmedia.org for more information.

Press kits with VHS screening copies of DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War are available to the media by contacting Dora Ruhs at 202-797-5278 or emailing your name, address, and telephone number to info@azimuthmedia.org.

Individuals can purchase a VHS copy of DEADLOCK: Russia's Forgotten War for $29.99 by sending a check or money order to Azimuth Media, 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 615, Washington, DC 20036. PAL (European Standard) versions of the film are available for $39.99. Phone orders will be accepted at 202-797-5278.

CONTACT: Eric London (202) 986-0033 x 105 Visit www.azimuthmedia.org for more info.

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