Acclaimed Documentary "Running the Sahara" Available to Pre-Order Exclusively on the iTunes Store
"Running the Sahara" Exclusive to iTunes Prior to DVD Availability
February 1, 2009 – Nehst Studios today announced the availability to pre-order for purchase the highly acclaimed documentary, "Running the Sahara", exclusively on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com). "Running the Sahara", directed and Produced by Academy Award-winner James Moll and narrated and Executive Produced by Academy Award-winner Matt Damon, tracks three ultra-marathoners, Charlie Engle (America), Ray Zahab (Canada) and Kevin Lin (Taiwan) as they attempt to run coast to coast across the Sahara Desert.
Beginning today, iTunes customers can exclusively pre-order "Running the Sahara" for $9.99, which will automatically be downloaded into the customer's iTunes library once it is available for purchase on February 10. The film is exclusively available through iTunes, one-month in advance of DVD availability.
"Running the Sahara" tells the great, true story of an inspiring quest set against the beautiful backdrop of the Sahara. The project also gave us a chance to call attention to the clean water crisis in that part of the world," said Matt Damon. "iTunes is shining a light on this film because they appreciate the quality of the story and also the larger philanthropic message that it delivers."
Additional "Running the Sahara" content is exclusively available on iTunes, including a free clip download from the full-length feature and two original songs from the film - "Show Me the Way Home" performed by Wyclef Jean and "Ambah Foiye" ("Believe You Can") performed by the African Children's Choir and composed by Heitor Pereira and produced by Hans Zimmer. This content, as well as the full-length documentary, can be found on iTunes at: http://www.iTunes.com/movies/runningthesahara
About "Running the Sahara"
"Running the Sahara" chronicles an attempt by three ultra marathoners to run across the entire length of Africa's Sahara Desert, tackling not only the elements, but also unimaginable physical and emotional obstacles. Their goal is to run through Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Egypt, anticipating two marathons per day, for eighty days . . . without a day off. The expedition spans 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers) and passes through six countries. Charlie Engle from the United States, Kevin Lin from Taiwan, and Ray Zahab from Canada, have run together in marathons before. But this expedition is different. It's a grueling test of will - a story about the human spirit under fire - and a chance to accomplish something that no known person has ever achieved. For more information go to www.runningthesahara.com.
"Running the Sahara" is a LivePlanet and Allentown Production, presented by Independent Producers Alliance with financing support from Stanford Financial Group.
As the "Running the Sahara" expedition crossed six Saharan countries, it identified key areas of need for clean water programs. H2O Africa is the charitable component of "Running the Sahara": a clean water initiative with the mission to create widespread public awareness of the water crisis in Africa and gather support for integrated sustainable clean water programs in critical areas. In many cases, these programs complement or include other activity such as education, infrastructure development, and health care. For more information go to www.H20Africa.org.