MALIBU, Calif., May 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Empire Film Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EFGU) (http://www.empirefilmgroup.com) and Downstream People Productions, LLC have entered into a promotional relationship with the Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy organizations for the movie premiere and ongoing promotion of "War Eagle, Arkansas," a family drama opening at theaters June 12. A private screening of the film last year for supporters of Easter Seals raised nearly $100,000, and the June 11 theatrical premiere will generate funds for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6216
"We are thankful for the support these two prestigious charities have extended for this film," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Distribution for Empire. "They have embraced the positive message that War Eagle presents and have already provided tremendous assistance for the film's theatrical premiere and launch campaign."
Jennifer Watts, Community Development Specialist for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, is coordinating the publicity and fund-raising activities for the June 11th premiere of "War Eagle, Arkansas." The premiere event will be held at the Malco Razorback Theater in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is projected to raise about $50,000 for the charity. Cast members and filmmakers will be in attendance at the premiere, which is expected to draw local and national media coverage.
War Eagle, Arkansas is based on the true story of two friends at a crossroads in life. Enoch is an aspiring college baseball star, but suffers from stuttering and issues of self-confidence. Wheels is his best friend and advisor, but confined to a wheelchair from Cerebral Palsy. Together, they each bring out the best in each other and ultimately find the right paths to follow. Enoch is portrayed by Luke Grimes, who is best-known for his recurring role as Ryan Lafferty on ABC-TV's hit show, "Brothers & Sisters." Dan McCabe portrays Wheels, and is a New York-based actor whose other feature film credits include "Brooklyn Rules" and "A Jersey Christmas." Other notable cast members include Misty Traya as Abby, the romantic interest, along with industry veterans Brian Dennehy, Mary Kay Place, Mare Winningham and James McDaniel.
War Eagle, Arkansas will open in theaters throughout Arkansas and the mid-South on Friday, June 12. The release will be expanded throughout the country during the summer, eventually reaching most major markets.
Empire Film Group owns or controls a library of more than 170 titles for the U.S. market, over half of which are currently in release. Other upcoming theatrical releases for Empire include the epic CGI animated adventure "Thru The Moebius Strip" and the acclaimed Abel Ferrara film, "Chelsea on the Rocks," featuring Ethan Hawke and Dennis Hopper. Top-selling DVD releases for Empire include "Hounddog" starring Dakota Fanning, "Come Away Home" starring Lea Thompson, "Grand Champion" starring Bruce Willis and Emma Roberts, and "Savage Land" starring Vivian Schilling and Graham Greene. In addition to the company's theatrical and video market releasing activities, Empire also operates Hannover House, a successful and well-established book publishing label, founded in 1993.
Learn more about Empire Film Group at www.empirefilmgroup.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
