Episode I Charity Screenings

STAR WARS: EPISODE I THE PHANTOM MENACE TO RETURN TO THEATRES FOR ONE WEEK TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES

SAN RAFAEL, CA - Nov. 22 - Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace will return to motion picture theatres across the United States and Canada for a one week run beginning December 3, 1999. One hundred percent of the box-office proceeds from this encore charity release will be contributed to local charities selected by theatre owners. This is the first time in history that total revenues generated from the exhibition of a film in movie theatres across the U.S. and Canada will be contributed to charitable causes.

When Star Wars: Episode I was initially released in May it did not have celebrity premieres. Instead, the film premiered in 11 cities as a benefit for local children's charities, raising a total of $5.3 million. Now, in the spirit of the holiday season, Lucasfilm, Twentieth Century Fox and local theatre owners are coming together in approximately 358 cities in the U.S. and Canada to create this unique release to benefit 184 different charities.

"We are excited to see this grow from an idea to a reality that will benefit so many in need," said Gordon Radley, President of Lucasfilm Ltd. "And we're delighted that so many companies have gotten behind an event that will bring attention and financial support to deserving causes in our communities. The project has gotten the enthusiastic backing of our colleagues at Twentieth Century Fox; theatre owners across the U.S. and Canada; Hasbro Inc. and LEGO Systems Inc., which are helping to advertise the release; local newspapers, which are providing movie listings; and many others whom we also want to thank. We hope that this release adds to the efforts of the countless devoted people who serve and support these charities and organizations throughout the year."

"This is truly a unique event in the annals of the film industry, and we and our exhibition partners are thrilled to have this chance to give something back to our communities," said Tom Sherak, chairman of Twentieth Century Fox Domestic Film Group. "It has been gratifying to see so many people working so hard to bring off this exceptional undertaking."

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace was written, directed and executive-produced by George Lucas. Episode I is the first chapter in a new trilogy set a full generation before the original Star Wars trilogy. Star Wars: Episode II is currently in pre-production and is scheduled for initial theatrical release in the summer of 2002.

For further information, see the benefiting charities list and the participating cities and theaters list.