LotR Screening in New York to Benefit WTC Fund
Press Release

November 15, 2001, New York, NY – New Line Cinema will hold a special advanced screening of the epic adventure The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on December 13 to benefit the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, it was announced today by Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-Chief Executive Officers of New Line Cinema Corporation.

"New Yorkers and Americans have been so very generous in the wake of the September 11 tragedy, and I am delighted that New Line has offered to host this exciting screening in support of the World Trade Center Relief Fund," Governor George E. Pataki said. "I really look forward to seeing The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring with my family. My son Owen and I read this story together over the summer -- he for the first time, and me for the second. It is particularly fitting that proceeds from this screening of a story of good triumphing over evil will go to a fund that is designed to help those good people victimized by this evil attack on America."

"We were tremendously saddened by the events that took place in New York City and feel privileged to have this opportunity to give something back to the community where our company was founded," Shaye and Lynne stated. "Governor Pataki’s special fund plays a vital role in the effort to both heal and rebuild New York; we consider the Governor and his organization a true force of good in the city at this time, and we feel honored to be given the chance to let our film play a role in that effort."

Tickets are priced at $250 for admittance to the screening, with a limited number of $500 tickets to the screening and a reception preceding the film with members of the cast.

Governor George E. Pataki urges all New Yorkers, concerned Americans and those throughout the world who wish to support the World Trade Center emergency response and victim support effort, to make a contribution to the newly established New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund.

The purpose of the World Trade Center Relief Fund is to assist the families and dependents of the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. This fund is for the benefit of all victims both injured and deceased, including innocent civilians, the dedicated firefighters, policemen, Port Authority officers, Emergency Medical Personnel and relief workers. After the monetary needs of these affected people have been addressed, consideration may be given to other related relief and recovery expenses.

New Line Cinema is presenting the first installment of The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring starring an international cast that includes Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Marton Csokas, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, and Elijah Wood.

The film is directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Sanders, Fran Walsh and Jackson, from a script by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Jackson. Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne are the executive producers. Mark Ordesky and Bob and Harvey Weinstein also executive produce.

The film opens worldwide on December 19.