LOS ANGELES, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Lincoln Zephyr is
teaming with Lionsgate to invite audiences to "Reach Higher" during today's
premiere of "Akeelah and the Bee," an inspirational story of an 11-year-old
girl from South Los Angeles and her quest for a spot at the Scripps
National Spelling Bee opening Nationwide on April 28th.
"Akeelah and the Bee" actors Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and
Keke Palmer, along with the movie's director, Doug Atchison, will arrive at
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills in style
and comfort courtesy of Lincoln Zephyr. Sharing the night's spotlight with
the film's talent, Lincoln Zephyrs will individually chauffeur the cast and
creators to and from the premiere screening and after party.
"Lincoln is pleased to work with Lionsgate and to host the film's
A-list talent, including Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and exciting
newcomer Keke Palmer in our all-new luxury automobiles," said Ford Motor
Company Global Brand Entertainment Manager Myles Romero.
"Lincoln is a classy, all American brand which is a perfect complement
for the universal appeal of 'Akeelah and the Bee.' Their presence will add
to the glamour of our world premiere event," said Tom Ortenberg, Lionsgate
President Theatrical Films.
Prior to the premiere, Lollipop Theater Network (Lollipop), a
non-profit organization that brings the magic of movies to children
suffering from chronic or life-threatening illnesses at hospitals
nationwide, in conjunction with Lincoln and Lionsgate, will host an
afternoon screening at Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA followed by a
Spelling Bee conducted by Los Angeles-based non-profit The Art of Elysium.
In addition, Lincoln and Lionsgate will partner with Lollipop in New
York and Detroit to screen "Akeelah and the Bee" for children at Morgan
Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian and the Children's
Hospital of Michigan.
"'Akeelah and the Bee' shares the same source of inspiration as our
Lincoln brand -- it celebrates the spirit of American optimism that
challenges us all to Reach Higher," said Lincoln Brand Manager Tom Grill,
"It's great to work with an organization like Lollipop to bring a film with
such a positive message to kids."
"Lollipop is so thankful to Lionsgate and Lincoln for screening such an
inspirational film for these special children who are striving to overcome
so much in their young lives," said Executive Director Evelyn Iocolano.
"'Akeelah and the Bee' will provide a much needed escape for them."
About Lincoln
Lincoln is a brand of the Ford Motor Company, a global automotive
industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., which manufactures and
distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly
325,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company's core and
affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land
Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services
include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's
products, visit www.fordvehicles.com.
About the Lincoln Zephyr
In fall of 2005, Lincoln introduced the Zephyr -- a new theme line
celebrating the American entrepreneurial spirit. The all-new 2006 Zephyr
begins a new product wave for Lincoln as the brand's first entry-level
luxury sedan, making the brand relevant to a new generation of younger
consumers ready to move up to a luxury vehicle. The all-new Zephyr
masterfully combines advanced features with abundant creature comforts.
From outstanding ride characteristics to an available Navigation System,
Zephyr delivers a premium ride.
About Lollipop Theater Network
Founded in 2001, Lollipop Theater Network is dedicated to bringing the
laughter and magic of movies to children confined to hospitals nationwide,
due to chronic or life-threatening illnesses. By working in collaboration
with leading motion picture studios, Lollipop Theater Network brings
current theatrical G, PG and PG-13 film releases into hospitals for group
and isolation patient screenings. The organization has been able to offer
its program to 28 hospitals across the country and has screened nearly 100
films since its inception. For more information, please visit:
www.lollipoptheater.org
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) is the leading independent filmed entertainment
studio. Fresh off the number one box office hits "Madea's Family Reunion,"
"Hostel" and "Saw II" and the Best Picture Academy Award(R)-winning
"Crash," Lionsgate is a premier producer and distributor of motion
pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment
and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more
than 5,000 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and is
a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate
brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in
markets around the globe. For more information on Lionsgate, visit
www.lionsgate.com.
SOURCE Lincoln