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TESTIMONIALS
PHILAFILM
On September 27, 2019, PHILAFILM, the 42nd Philadelphia International Film Festival & Market screened "333" to its audience of loyal, discriminating patrons at the historic, AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN PHILADELPHIA. PHILAFILM's Patrons and Friends are accustomed to the Festival's yearly menu of outstanding, independent filmmaking. Delivering on expectations was 2019's "333," a feature-length documentary film from SABATIER FILM GROUP and Malian Manuscript Foundation.
Produced in the countries of MALI (NW Africa), and the United States, "333" is a stunning success in filmmaking from Executive Producer Michael Covitt, CEO of both the Foundation and the film company. From the 12th through the 16th centuries in Mali, almost a million Manuscripts were written about nearly every science under the sun.
Written by a unique class of scholars known as “Ambassadors of Peace,” who daily before sunrise for nearly a thousand years have sat in a forum called the "Circle of Knowledge" imparting Manuscript wisdom to their followers. The Manuscripts set forth the basic tenets of Islam. One of the ideas that the Manuscripts and “333” offer is a roadmap to peace, via the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.
ISLAM, by way of the "Manuscripts," is a peaceful religion that is easily navigable by the average Muslim, regardless of age, gender or station in life. But it serves the rest of humanity by providing us all with the same roadmap to peace. This film, then educates the viewer about a country, MALI, a religion, ISLAM, and the means by which positive social interaction and political compromise is achieved.
Indeed, the Tenets imposed by the Koran and defined in the "Manuscripts," as seen in “333,” have a universal application. Hundreds of wars and countless millions of people have perished from ignorance and loathing. “333” calls instead for friendship and love, not intolerance and hatred.
One of the objectives of the “Ambassadors of Peace" is to pass down knowledge from generation to generation, so that each ensuing generation retains the wisdom from their forebears. There are lessons to be learned in this decade from the sage “Ambassadors of Peace,” and by way of "333,” PHILAFILM's audiences will become promoters of peace as well.
PHILAFILM's Panel of Jurors awarded "333" its coveted, Jurors Panel Award in the Feature Documentary Category, International Market Section. This award was last presented by the Panel in 1997. PHILAFILM's Festival Committee agreed to continue its support of "333" by way of new screenings and publicity on the Festival's website and Social Media Links.
Lawrence L. Smallwood, Jr.
Festival Director
"333 is at once a POWERFUL documentary and an impactful educational film that must be globally viewed to further world peace. What is even more, this film is about the many endangered ancient Islamic manuscripts in Timbuktu, Mali, that teach tolerance and dialogue at a time when the religion is widely viewed as violent. In my humble opinion, preserving and propagating these manuscripts is a must for all who desire peaceful inter-faith and international relations. Let us then commit ourselves to this noble mission by helping fund the Malian Manuscript Foundation under the proven capable leadership of Michael Covitt."
~Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi
Presidential candidate in Iranian elections,
Founder and President of the American-Iranian Council, Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
~Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi
Presidential candidate in Iranian elections,
Founder and President of the American-Iranian Council, Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
"The trailer was EXCELLENT and the concept interesting."
~ General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired)
Former: United States Secretary of State;
National Security Advisor;
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
Commander of the United States Army Forces Command.
~ General Colin L. Powell, USA (Retired)
Former: United States Secretary of State;
National Security Advisor;
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
Commander of the United States Army Forces Command.
"With the Middle East and North Africa spiraling out of control there has never been a better time to remind people how conflict has been resolved in Mali for 1,000 years. This predominantly Muslim country has a tradition of conflict resolution that is timeless and brilliantly portrayed in the film "333." Beyond the extraordinary cinematography and original music, this film has an IMPORTANT message to all of us that there is a way to solve issues without the use of force. If there was a time for a film like this, it is now when there's still time to pull back from the brink."
~ Gen. Richard B. Myers USAF (Ret.)
Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Board Member, international corporations
~ Gen. Richard B. Myers USAF (Ret.)
Retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Board Member, international corporations
"Having known the Founder of the Malian Manuscript Foundation, Michael Covitt, for a good number of years, I can say with an honest heart that I know of no-one else in the world more dedicated and more passionate to preserving these ancient remnants of wisdom from a forgotten age. As the REMARKABLE and unforgettable film 333 makes clear, these manuscripts in many ways transcend their original cultural provenance, and now share, as it were, in the common inheritance of all of mankind. I unreservedly encourage everyone interested in these priceless and irreplaceable artifacts to assist this great work of world-historic preservation with whatever means available to them."
~ Benjamin Harnwell
Hon. Secretary, Working Group on Human Dignity in the European Parliament
Founder and President of the Board of Trustees, Dignitatis Humanae Institute
Counsellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Dignitatis Humanae Institute www.dignitatishumanae.com/
~ Benjamin Harnwell
Hon. Secretary, Working Group on Human Dignity in the European Parliament
Founder and President of the Board of Trustees, Dignitatis Humanae Institute
Counsellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences
Dignitatis Humanae Institute www.dignitatishumanae.com/
"For Centuries, Timbuktu provided rest along side the Niger River for travelers journeying across the African Continent. From the 12th through the 16th centuries, Mali became an intellectual haven for Islamic scholars. The manuscripts produced during that time have survived centuries of unprotected storage in Timbuktu and only recently came to the attention of the world community. Michael Covitt was one of the first to recognize the value of these documents, not only as historical artifacts, but also as true Islamic manuscripts professing peaceful resolution of conflict and a world of tolerance, understanding and the dignity of mankind. Through his passion and determination, he led the way in increasing awareness of the documents around the world, digitizing the manuscripts for scholars to study, and preserving the original documents in a proper, climate controlled environment. His documentary film, '333,' is a SUPERB film about the region, the manuscripts, and the message of peace. In a time when the teachings of Islam are being perverted and conflict appears to be the preferred action for many extremists, the Malian Manuscripts provide a better solution for mankind. Thank you, Malian Manuscript Foundation, for taking the lead in preserving, promoting, and educating the world about these treasures."
General Carlton W. Fulford, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
Served as: Director, Africa Center For Strategic Studies;
Deputy Commander, United States European Command; Director, The Joint Staff
General Carlton W. Fulford, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
Served as: Director, Africa Center For Strategic Studies;
Deputy Commander, United States European Command; Director, The Joint Staff
"333 is a surprising IMPACTFUL film about the efforts to preserve the ancient Malian Manuscripts. It educates the viewer about the Manuscripts and the efforts to preserve them while showing the wisdom of the ancients that created them and their relevance to our world today."
~ Frank J. Biondi, Jr.
Board Member of numerous international companies.
Former Chairman & CEO of Universal Studios, Inc., Former CEO of Viacom, Inc.
~ Frank J. Biondi, Jr.
Board Member of numerous international companies.
Former Chairman & CEO of Universal Studios, Inc., Former CEO of Viacom, Inc.
- "333 is a FASCINATING documentary about a trove of historic documents and their enduring influence on how people should think and behave towards one another. Rather than 'curse the darkness' of violence and inhumanity, Michael Covitt has 'lit a candle' of hope for the future with his presentation of this extraordinary story."
Former Assistant Secretary of State
- "333 shows that the nobility and power of practicing forgiveness, the love of sharing of these high ideals with each new generation, and pride in one's cultural and spiritual heritage, are not simply rhetoric but rather, in spite of enormous obstacles, what is being practiced today by people in Mali. This film serves as an INSPIRATION to all to try to find a way to live together in harmony. 333 is a film for all time that should be seen - and then seen again."
The Manchurian Candidate, Splendor in the Grass, & 333
- "The 333 trailer moved me to tears. When I saw the film in its entirety, what became absolutely clear was how vitally important the Ancient Manuscripts of Timbuktu are to Islam, to educators, and to humanity. These manuscripts must be rescued and studied so that the world can stop making the same thoughtless mistakes, repeatedly. The lesson of 333 could not be clearer --- we must learn from the past in order to reach our future. 333 is an EXQUISITELY MADE documentary film that should be seen by one and all. And the Ancient Manuscripts of Mali offer humanity a pathway to peace."
- "What a BEAUTIFUL film! It is a tragic irony that, since the film was made, the trove of ancient Afro-Islamic documents it shows has been gravely damaged and a significant part of it lost to the Islamist aftermath of the fall of the Qaddhafi regime.
- His Excellency Chas W. Freeman, Jr.
Former: U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Assistant Secretary of Defense
333 is an impeccably crafted documentary film. Its message about settling disputes is vital to mankind’s survival, its production is FLAWLESS, and its timing is spot-on. What Malian Manuscript Foundation is doing to save and preserve Mali’s treasure trove of knowledge should be nurtured by all. And not a single person should miss seeing 333."
~Lucy Jarvis - President & Producer Jarvis Productions Awarded: 6 Emmys,
3 Christos, and 2 Peabodys
~Lucy Jarvis - President & Producer Jarvis Productions Awarded: 6 Emmys,
3 Christos, and 2 Peabodys
- "Michael Covitt has produced a film that is a must see for everyone who cares about our planet, our children and our future. It is a COMPELLING look at the foundation of peaceful conflict resolution and a map if you will, to our own “proliferation” of conflict resolution through peaceful means. 333 is an exceptional and factual example of how far we’ve all gone AWAY from mindful and compassionate diplomacy. We need to return to the Malian ways and truly reorganize our own foreign and domestic policies on peaceful diplomacy. Bravo Mr. Covitt for giving us this beautifully compelling film!!"
Grammy-Award-Winning music producer and composer, music teacher, parent, friend
"The most important and dangerous battlefront in the world today is between the extremist terrorists who are bent on destroying Islam’s moral, spiritual, intellectual and artistic heritage — all part of our collective human legacy — and those who are bent on protecting it. This BEAUTIFUL film movingly captures and dramatically highlights that battlefront as well as the news events surrounding it, and underlines our collective duty to protect and guard this important legacy."
~ Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
Founder and CEO
The Cordoba Initiative
Bridge builder between the West and the Muslim world.
Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
~ Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf
Founder and CEO
The Cordoba Initiative
Bridge builder between the West and the Muslim world.
Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
"The AMAZING and EXTRAORDINARY documentary 333, takes us on a journey of awakening and transformation. It is not only the ancient texts that we are blessed to see, but the culture of conflict resolution and peacemaking that the teachings in these texts have inspired across many centuries.
In the context of our contemporary war-driven world in which young children are taught to play violent video games from their early years, what a blessing it is to meet, get to know, and travel with the Ambassadors of Peace, young and old. The teachings inscribed in these texts, which are made manifest in the living traditions of this extraordinary culture, are transmitted through the film to the hearts and souls of its viewers. This is not simply a significant documentary, but a transmission of compassionate wisdom and love." ~Sheikha Maryam Kabeer Muridiyyah Sufi Order; Mustafawiyyah Sufi Order; Traveler, Author, Teacher & Student |
"333 should win the Academy Award for the Best Documentary Film. This GROUNDBREAKING documentary should be required viewing for every person of every age, everywhere.”
~ Chaim Litewski
Director of United Nations Television
Award-winning documentary film- maker
~ Chaim Litewski
Director of United Nations Television
Award-winning documentary film- maker
- "If every leader from every nation could see the documentary film '333' and follow its message, we would all be living in peace. As the film so poignantly states, 'We are all ONE HUMANITY.' Timbuktu, that ancient 'GOLD COAST,' required people from all religions, languages and customs to work together for the common good. "333 just may be the KEY to re-opening that legendary route to the peaceful resolution of conflict, with the wisdom from the Malian Manuscripts as the touchstone to resolving intolerance."
Chaiman & CEO - Storyland Pictures - Multi-Award-Winning Producer & Director
- "My friend Michael Covitt has produced a strikingly beautiful film of the first importance in “333.” It focuses on the Malian Ambassadors of Peace and their unique library of hundreds of thousands of ancient, irreplaceable – and endangered – documents in Timbuktu. Centuries of learning and reflection have revealed to these wise scholars a unique approach to conflict resolution based on respectful discussion and consensus building. “333” is a MASTERPIECE of cinema with a timely message of hope and reconciliation that transcends culture, religion, politics, and geography."
Assistant Secretary Navy (Ret.)
Senior Advisor to the Commander, Pacific Command for Communication Integration
Director of Strategic Communications - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
"What a GREAT film ! '333' opens the doors to a new understanding of Islam, and of the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue which the people of Mali have practiced for centuries. If everyone in the world could see this film, conflicts would be talked through instead of bombed out."
~ Ken Hatley - President & CEO
Ken Hatley & Associates, Inc.
Multi-award-winning music, film and TV producer
~ Ken Hatley - President & CEO
Ken Hatley & Associates, Inc.
Multi-award-winning music, film and TV producer
- "Michael Covitt's WELL CRAFTED documentary is a call to action to preserve the ancient Malian texts, and the lessons to be learned from them."
President & Chief Executive Officer
Klein & Saks Group
Past President, Economic Club of NY Former Deputy Treasurer of the U.S.
"I cannot think of one single person on this planet who would not benefit from viewing 333. It is one of the most ENLIGHTENING and heartfelt films I have ever seen. I suspect that 333 might cause even the terrorists to see the light."
~ Elliot Scheiner
Multi Award Winning Engineer & Producer
25 Grammy and 4 Emmy Nominations
Recipient: 8 Grammys, 2 Emmys
~ Elliot Scheiner
Multi Award Winning Engineer & Producer
25 Grammy and 4 Emmy Nominations
Recipient: 8 Grammys, 2 Emmys
- "Mali should serve as a MODEL both for peacemaking throughout the world and also for United Nations development and security initiatives."
His Excellency Kofi A. Annan
Former Secretary General
United Nations
- "Terrorism did not originate with Islam. The Ancient Islamic Manuscripts that exist in Mali prove that the foundation of Islam is peace, inclusion, and education --- NOT terrorism. It is IMPORTANT therefore to rescue, preserve, and translate these precious Manuscripts so that people around the world can understand and benefit from the true history and platform of Islam."
Mrs. Gooch's Natural Foods Markets
- "I thought that this film was just about the Manuscripts; but it is a TUTORIAL for the entire United Nations."
Ambassador to the United Nations Permanent Mission of the Republic of Mali
"The 333 trailer was COMPELLING to watch, and Michael Covitt was attention-grabbing. I hope to see the completed 333 film in the very near future. And we hope Michael will soon return to CAI, to keep us abreast of all that is happening in Mali."
~ Dr.Eric Cline -Director
Capital Archaeology Institute
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
~ Dr.Eric Cline -Director
Capital Archaeology Institute
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
"The film "333" documents with color and care the tradition of dialogue, tolerance and forgiveness practiced by the Sufis of Mali. In a world where conflict, often brutal, is undermining opportunity and growth for far too many of the world's citizens, this film offers insight and HOPE."
~ Honorable Jerry MacArthur Hultin
Senior Presidential Fellow, New York University
President Emeritus, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Former Under Secretary of the United States Navy
~ Honorable Jerry MacArthur Hultin
Senior Presidential Fellow, New York University
President Emeritus, Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Former Under Secretary of the United States Navy
- "333 is a COMPELLING documentary, which underscores my belief that education is the key to understanding…and understanding allows love and cooperation rather than fear and aggression."
Oklahoma City Public Schools
Chairperson - Board of Education
- "I was privileged to see this beautiful, INSPIRING and impeccably-crafted 96-minute Documentary film in its entirety, together with 591 fellow viewers, at its Premier held in United Nations headquarters in New York City."
- "While the film’s cinematography is extraordinary, it is the subject matter centered around a country on the brink of losing their cultural heritage forever that captures the imagination and tugs at the heartstrings."
Maritime Research Analyst
The Antiquities Coalition
"Farmingdale State College has now had two screenings of 333 due to the interest created by the first screening. The film is truly inspirational, THOUGHT-PROVOKING and beautifully produced. The Q and A session following the screenings, during which students, faculty and staff asked questions and made comments inspired by the film, was a testament to the fact that the film’s depiction of the people of Mali and their approach to life, the religion of Islam, and the diversity in modern society, changed minds and hearts across our campus."
~ Lucia Cepriano - Provost
SUNY Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, New York
~ Lucia Cepriano - Provost
SUNY Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale, New York
- "I would like to reiterate what a remarkable and valuable event you gave to Lehigh University on the occasion of your October 16, 2012, screening of the film 333 followed by your insightful Q&A with the attendees. It is my fervent belief that the students, faculty, and staff of any university will find educational value as well as much food for thought in your film and your perceptive, articulate commentary. With the rapidly changing and increasingly tragic events taking place in the nation of Mali, your film 333 is more IMPORTANT than ever.” ~ Bill Whitney, Ph.D. Executive Assistant to the President Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
- “The film is POWERFUL, timely and highly informative. More importantly, it has a message that could change hearts and minds.”
Oklahoma City Community College,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“Thank you so very much for screening your documentary 333 for students and faculty at St. Francis College. It is an EXCELLENT film and the topic could not be timelier. It is important that youngsters and educators the world over have the opportunity to view 333, as its message about the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue will provide a firm foundation for their lives, and that is urgently needed, everywhere.”
~ Thomas J. Volpe
Chairman Emeritus
St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY
Formerly: Senior Vice President, Financial Operations of: The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc., & Vice President & Treasurer of Colgate-Palmolive Company
~ Thomas J. Volpe
Chairman Emeritus
St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY
Formerly: Senior Vice President, Financial Operations of: The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc., & Vice President & Treasurer of Colgate-Palmolive Company