HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Inspired by the overwhelming success in New York City, prominent members
of the African-American business communities in major cities across
America have teamed with Paramount Pictures to create funds for students
to see the Golden Globe-nominated film "SELMA" for free in participating
theaters. The cities joining the effort will be announced Monday,
January 12th at 9:00 a.m. ET.
The New York City program provided free admission for 27,000 of the
city's 7th, 8th and 9th grade students
to see "SELMA" in participating local theaters. 27 African-American
business leaders contributed to the fund and activated their network of
contacts to put this program into motion, creating an impromptu and
innovative public-private partnership for the greater good.
The students in these cities will provide a student ID or report card at
any of the participating locations for free admittance. The program will
begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 12th and run through January 19th
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.
"The response to our program in New York is better than we could have
anticipated and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of
support," said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. "The
story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s heroic efforts in Alabama during
the civil rights movement is an important chapter in our country's
history - and one that still resonates deeply today. Due to the many
generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will
have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film."
The New York community has rallied to get the word out on "SELMA." Major
institutions including the New York City Department of Education, KIPP
Schools, New York City Housing Authority, Schomburg Museum, Eagle
Academy, Harlem Children Zone, Harlem Village Academy, Abyssinian
Baptist Church, The Boys and Girls Club, the New York Public Library,
and local radio stations are reaching out to students and informing them
of this wonderful opportunity.
Theaters are reporting unprecedented calls for group screenings as
entire classes want to attend together. In addition, many screenings are
followed by discussions, and a recommended reading list has been
compiled for further learning. This is a rare moment when a film has
transformed into a cultural movement in recognition of a highly relevant
message that touched many people.
Directed by Ava DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther
King Jr., "SELMA" has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best
Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song ("Glory" by Common and
John Legend).
The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola,
Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth
and Oprah Winfrey as "Annie Lee Cooper."
Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present "SELMA." Produced by
Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film
is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown,
Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is
written by Paul Webb. "SELMA" is directed by Ava DuVernay.
"SELMA" is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the
tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of
violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated
in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of
1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights
movement. Director Ava DuVernay's "SELMA" tells the story of how the
revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo)
and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that
forever altered history.
Currently open in select cities, "SELMA" opens in theaters nationwide on
January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor
of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a
leading content company with prominent and respected film, television
and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of
some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including
Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount
Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and
Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media
Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing
Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
Media Contacts:
Edelman
Renée
Edelman, 212-704-8249
renee.edelman@edelman.com
Source: Paramount Pictures Corporation
News Provided by Acquire Media