'The Kite Runner Club' Becomes National Phenomena in Final Weeks

'The Kite Runner Club' Becomes National Phenomena in Final Weeks

Thousands of book fans rally online for a first look at the upcoming film

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Classics' promotional online site 'The Kite Runner Club' (http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/), in support of their upcoming film, THE KITE RUNNER, has become a phenomenon with over 14,000 people participating and over 1,000 groups formed.

The Kite Runner Club is host to 1,162 groups organized by Kite Club Captains whose challenge is to encourage as many members to join their group and create activity within the site by posting messages and initiating discussions during the final phase of the contest. Tiers of prizes are determined by activity within membership groups from 20 to over 200 fans. Members with the most activity can win exclusive Kite Runner lapel pins, limited edition leather bookmarks and a chance to hold their own advanced screening of the film. The First Place prize will go to the Kite Club Captain of a group with the most activity that exceeds 200 members, which includes a star-studded trip to the film's premiere event in Hollywood. The Grand Prize Kite Club Captain will win a trip to San Francisco with a guest and enjoy a private sit-down meal with author Khaled Hosseini. Currently 14,120 members of the Kite Runner club are contending for all prizes. The contest ends November 15.

Author Khaled Hosseini reflected on the site's blog, "The Kite Runner was published in mid-2003 without much fanfare and without the benefit of a huge marketing plan. However, this book has connected now with millions of people around the world. To me, that is a testament to the power of the word-of-mouth phenomenon."

THE KITE RUNNER is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn apart forever. In the aftermath of a kite-fighting tournament victory, one boy's fearful act of betrayal will mark their lives forever and set in motion an epic quest for redemption. After 20 years of living in America, Amir returns to a perilous Afghanistan under the Taliban's iron-fisted rule to face the secrets that still haunt him and take one last daring chance to set things right. DreamWorks Pictures, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Participant Productions presents, THE KITE RUNNER, a Sidney Kimmel Entertainment Production and Parkes/MacDonald Production released by Paramount Classics.

Directed by Marc Forster and based on Khaled Hosseini's best-selling book, THE KITE RUNNER is written by David Benioff (Troy, Stay). The film is produced by William Horberg (Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley), Walter F. Parkes (Gladiator, Catch Me If You Can), Rebecca Yeldham (The Motorcycle Diaries) and E. Bennett Walsh (KILL BILL). The executive producers are Sidney Kimmel, Laurie MacDonald, Sam Mendes and Jeff Skoll.

About Paramount Classics

Paramount Classics is the specialty film division of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, and unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies and DreamWorks Studios. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studios, and Worldwide Television Distribution. Learn more about us at our official site: paramountvantage.com

Contact: Alison Lehrer
(323) 956-8790
alison.lehrer@paramountvantage.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Paramount Classics

CONTACT: Alison Lehrer of Paramount Classics, +1-323-956-8790,
alison.lehrer@paramountvantage.com

Web site:

http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/

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