The Children's Aid Society and The Tribeca Film Festival to Co-Host The New York City Premiere of 'Star Wars: Episode II Attack of The Clones' on May 12th

    NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tribeca Film Festival and The
 Children's Aid Society (CAS) will co-host the exclusive New York premiere of
 "Star Wars:  Episode II Attack of the Clones" with screenings on Sunday,
 May 12.  The first and second screenings are private showings for children and
 families affected by September 11 and Children's Aid Society youngsters.  The
 afternoon screening will be a star-studded fundraising premiere to benefit The
 Children's Aid Society.  This announcement was made jointly by Festival
 co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro and Children's Aid Society
 Executive Director and CEO Philip Coltoff.
     "As a father and filmmaker, it's my pleasure to offer the film in support
 of the children of New York City," said George Lucas.  "Following the
 devastating events of September 11, it's inspiring to see two great
 organizations like The Children's Aid Society and the Tribeca Film Festival
 join forces to help kids and restore confidence in the vitality of lower
 Manhattan."
     The Tribeca Film Festival will honor The Children's Aid Society with a
 special award at the Star Wars premiere, recognizing CAS' 150 years of service
 to disadvantaged children and families throughout the city.  In addition,
 since 9/11, the agency has provided millions in cash assistance and counseling
 to thousands of families affected by the World Trade Center tragedy.  One of
 the central missions of the Tribeca Film Festival is to further revitalize a
 region of the city that has struggled to overcome the devastating effects of
 the attack.
     "Lucasfilm's decision to focus the premieres on aid for disadvantaged
 children is truly heartening and we are grateful this charity event will allow
 us to increase funding for our youth programs," said Philip Coltoff, CAS
 Executive Director and CEO.  "We are especially thrilled to partner with the
 Tribeca Film Festival to bring the excitement of the Star Wars premiere to
 lower Manhattan."
     Jane Rosenthal said:  "It is such a thrill for all of us to present 'Star
 Wars:  Episode II Attack of the Clones' to benefit The Children's Aid Society
 at the Tribeca Film Festival.  George Lucas is a true friend of New York City
 and one of the most innovative filmmakers our industry has ever seen.  It is a
 great privilege to showcase his latest film at the first annual Tribeca Film
 Festival."
     "This special screening of 'Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones' at
 the Tribeca Film Festival promises to be a truly great movie experience for
 the hundreds of children and families who attend," said Mayor Michael
 Bloomberg. "This is another great addition to the Tribeca Film Festival, which
 will not only encourage the revitalization of Lower Manhattan but with this
 benefit screening, will also help our City's children. I would like to once
 again thank Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal for their continued commitment
 to lower Manhattan, and also to George Lucas and The Children's Aid Society
 making this benefit screening possible."
     "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones" is the second chapter of the
 Star Wars saga.  The film was written and directed by George Lucas, co-written
 by Jonathan Hales, produced by Rick McCallum and stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie
 Portman, Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson.  Additional cast members
 include Ian McDiarmid, Christopher Lee and Temura Morrison.
     Tickets for the children's private screenings will be distributed by CAS
 to youth in its programs, as well as by the Tribeca Film Festival through
 various civic and city agencies to children and families affected by
 September 11.  Ticket sales for the afternoon CAS benefit screening have
 officially begun.  Prices are $500 for the pre-party and screening and $1,000
 for the pre-party, screening and VIP seating.  All proceeds will benefit The
 Children's Aid Society.  To order tickets, call CAS at (917) 286-1530.
     The Tribeca Film Festival, presented by American Express, will take place
 in lower Manhattan from May 8-12, 2002, and showcase Independent Films
 including categories for feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and
 directorial-debut feature-length films as well as educational workshops and a
 special family-friendly Children's Film programs.  In addition, the Tribeca
 Film Festival will celebrate the people of New York City with a large, free
 outdoor public event in Battery Park on Friday, May 10th.  For more
 information on the Tribeca Film Festival, the public should call 1-866-941-
 FEST (3378), or visit the Tribeca Film Festival website at
 www.tribecafilmfestival.org.
     Vanity Fair is the Founding Media Partner of The Tribeca Film Festival.
 
     The Children's Aid Society has been at the frontlines for New York City's
 children for 150 years, with a broad range of cutting-edge services including
 camps, adoption and foster care services, teen pregnancy prevention,
 education, health and recreation.  CAS has established many "firsts" in the
 care and education of disadvantaged youth in New York City and the nation.
 
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SOURCE  The Tribeca Film Festival