Sony Pictures' Response to Open Letter About 'Tears of the Sun'

April 1, 2003

Ambassador Augustine A. Agada Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1333 16th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Ambassador Agada,

Thank you very much for your letters to Sony Pictures and Revolution Studios expressing concern about the motion picture, TEARS OF THE SUN.

We would like to assure you that we have been careful to make certain that all marketing and publicity materials made it clear that the events portrayed in the film were fictional and not fact based, and do no reflect life in modern day Nigeria.

Although our promotional website never included a map of Nigeria, in light of your concerns about perceived negative perceptions of Nigeria, we have revised the site. Currently there is no reference of any sort to Nigeria. The synopsis of the film that appears on the site also indicates that TEAR OF THE SUN is based on a fictional story.

In addition, out of respect for the people of Nigeria, we will include on the upcoming DVD release additional language to reinforce to viewers that all events portrayed in the film are fictions.

While it is not our intent to offend, the right to free expression and creation of a variety of genres of filmed entertainment is what allows us to bring entertainment to diverse audiences around the world.

We hope you understand and again, thank you for communicating your thoughts to us.

Sincerely,
Signed Hope J. Booushaft

Cc: John Calley