RIDLEY SCOTT - CRUSADES FILM 'WILL HELP MUSLIMS'

Forthcoming movie KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is being praised for it's potential to improve Westerners' understanding of the Muslim world.

The RIDLEY SCOTT-directed movie, starring Hollywood actors ORLANDO BLOOM and LIAM NEESON, depicts a 12th century Muslim-Christian battle for Jerusalem during the Third Crusade.

The controversial film is set to cast aside stereotypical views of Muslims and show the benefits of diplomacy over war in resolving Middle East crises.

Syrian actor GHASSAN MASSOUD, who plays the Muslim leader SALADIN, says, "Saladin fights battles, but he also enters into dialogue. We want to show that dialogue can be much better than war.

"Today, America has overwhelming force but it is as if they don't want to build a dialogue."

The film, shot in Morocco and Spain, hits screens next month (MAY05) and is tipped as one of this summer's biggest releases.