Los Angeles (April 10, 2006) - At the 6th Annual International Beverly Hills Film Festival  (BHFF) (beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com) 40 competition films were screened from April 5 - 9, at the Clarity Theater in Beverly Hills, California.  The North American Premiere of the documentary film ASSYRISKA: A NATIONAL TEAM WITHOUT A NATION from directors NURI KINO and ERIK SANDBERG took place on April 6th and April 8th to standing room only audiences.

At the Awards Ceremony, on April 9, 2006, ASSYRISKA: A NATIONAL TEAM WITHOUT A NATION was awarded the ?overall winner" in every category receiving the prestigious Golden Palm Award.  The Jury?s motivation for giving this prize to ASSYRISKA was for overall excellence in every category (director/producer/film) and most importantly, the subject matter of the film.  ASSYRISKA was called a film with ?Heart and Soul."  Each year only one Golden Palm is awarded to a film that brings awareness and change through its powerful message.  ASSYRISKA was able to accomplish just that.

Mr. Nino Simone, president and director of BHFF announced the winning film at the Gala Event.  Mr. Nuri Kino accepted the award on behalf of himself and Mr. Erik Sandberg.

Upon receiving the Golden Palm, a tearful Mr. Kino said, ?As a Swedish investigative journalist, it wouldn?t be just a crime, but a sin not to reveal the truth.  The Assyrians have been oppressed for thousands of years and it?s about time that they receive recognition.  This prize is shared with Assyrians all over the world including, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Australia, U.S., Europe and burning Iraq."

Assyriska: A National Team Without A Nation is the story of an unassuming small town soccer team, claiming the heritage of the ancient Assyrian Empire and speaking Aramaic, the language of Christ. This immigrant soccer club from the remote city of Södertälje, Sweden, has become a force to reckon with as it fights its own personal and political battles to reach international stardom when against all odds as the first ever immigrant team in Europe, it rises to the National Premiere League. Not only Sweden roots for Assyriska, but the team gains the attention of its nation living in diaspora from Syria, US, Europe, Russia and burning Iraq, to monks at a monastery in Southeast Turkey.

For Immediate Release
Assyriska Film Media Contact:
Tanya Benjamin Management
TanyaBenjamin@sbcglobal.net