America Film

V-me’s New Season of Estudio Billboard Launches with Aleks Syntek

Series premieres Tuesday, June 23 at 9pm Eastern

NEW YORK, June 19 /PRNewswire/ — An all-new season of V-me’s hit music-interview series Estudio Billboard, hosted by Leila Cobo, kicks off on June 23 at 9:00pm (et) with Aleks Syntek, the award-winning, platinum-selling Mexican artist who has created a string of keyboard-driven rock & pop international hits. Throughout his career, Aleks Syntek has produced/composed for Alejandro Fernandez, Enrique Iglesias, Paulina Rubio and others and has toured with stars from Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Duran Duran, to Ricky Martin. He is the recipient of the Mexican Academy Award for “Best Score” with his soundtrack for the ground-breaking film, Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas.

In this fascinating hour, Aleks Syntek reveals the creative process that resulted in hits like Duele el Amor and Intocable, both of which he performs here in front of the Estudio Billboard live audience. Aleks Syntek admits that as a self-trained musician, he has always drawn inspiration from his family. He credits his father for exposing him to the many musical genres that now influence his sound, taps into new artistic energy from being a new father himself, and even pays tribute with a song on his upcoming album (October release) to his grandmother who just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Estudio Billboard is the music and interview series developed by V-me, in collaboration with Billboard Magazine and hosted by Billboard’s Leila Cobo, the ultimate Latin music insider. Recorded before an intimate live audience, the new season of 13 episodes premieres in June 2009, with a new set, a new look and new features. Top Latin artists such as Mana, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan and Daddy Yankee have already appeared on the series, offering new insights into their lives, careers, musical influences and much more.

Estudio Billboard on V-me is presented by Verizon Wireless, Heineken and Ford Fusion.

V-me is broadcast over-the-air by public TV stations and carried on basic cable in nearly 40 markets. It can be seen nationally on DIRECTV Ch. 440, DISH Network Ch. 9414 and DISH Latino Ch. 846. For local channel information, visit www.VmeTV.com/estaciones .

About V-me

V-me, one of America’s largest Spanish networks, entertains and informs Latino families in Spanish with primetime drama, music, sports, current affairs and Latin cinema, along with world class kids, food, lifestyle and nature. The 24-hour network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in over 70% of all Hispanic homes – rising to 80% by year end 2009. V-me is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, V-me Media Inc. To find out more visit www.VmeTV.com.

CONTACT:

For V-me: Natalie Judd, 203.389.5223, njudd@dex-p.com or Wilson Guzman, 646-747-8821, wguzman@dex-p.com

SOURCE V-me

IMAX and Huayi Bros. to Release First Chinese Event Films In IMAX’s Format

Renowned Director Feng Xiaogang’s “Aftershock” to be digitally
re-mastered into The IMAX Experience(R) and released internationally
in July 2010

SHANGHAI, June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Huayi Bros. Media Corporation Ltd., China’s largest privately owned media group, today announced an agreement to release up to three pictures, beginning with the release of the highly-anticipated upcoming Chinese film “Aftershock,” to IMAX(R) Theatres in China, other parts of Asia and key North American markets in July 2010. Directed by renowned film director, Feng Xiaogang, “Aftershock” will be the first mainstream Chinese film and the first mainstream commercial film outside of the U.S. to be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of IMAX’s format.

The multi-picture agreement between IMAX and Huayi Bros. Media will capitalize on the growing size and scope of the IMAX theatre presence in China and throughout Asia. In addition, the agreement will allow both companies to bring outstanding Chinese films, enjoyed by millions of Chinese audiences including those outside China, to mainstream global audiences in a new immersive way. IMAX anticipates that “Aftershock” will play in 25-30 IMAX theatres in Greater China and other parts of Asia when it opens next summer.

“It’s our great honor to be working with Huayi Brothers, China’s undisputed leader in the movie industry and acclaimed director Feng Xiaogang. This new arrangement enables the IMAX theatre network to expand beyond its role as a key distribution platform for Hollywood blockbusters and introduce a global audience to major movie studios outside of North America through IMAX’s immersive format,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “Our growing presence and new investments in China not only underscore our commitment to building the IMAX brand, but also demonstrate our support of the Chinese film industry.”

“Working with IMAX to present China’s most talked about and anticipated 2010 Chinese film, “Aftershock,” in IMAX’s format, is not just a significant development for Huayi on the international film stage, it is also a milestone step for the mainstream Chinese film industry,” added Dennis Wang, Chairman and CEO, Huayi Bros. Media. “The globally-recognized IMAX brand has become synonymous with Hollywood’s biggest movie events, and we strongly believe that cache will escalate the visibility of Chinese films on the world’s stage. Working with IMAX will give us a competitive advantage in the marketing and distribution of “Aftershock” and future Chinese films.”

Echoing strong confidence in this new partnership is Mr. Tong Gang, Director-General of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television’s (SARFT) Motion Picture Bureau. “This agreement between two industry leaders today further demonstrates the recognition of Chinese films by the international film industry, which is already winning some of the most prestigious awards in film festivals around the world. I firmly believe that films are one of the best ways to showcase our Chinese culture, and I am excited that this partnership will expose cinema-goers all over the world to more and more of the best Chinese movies, and in the process, help bridge China’s geographical and cultural divide with the world.”

“Aftershock” will be released in China on July 28, 2010 and, as with all of Director Feng Xiaogang’s films, it is anticipated to be among the biggest blockbusters of the year. The film centers on the life-changing moments and psychological dimensions of a seven year-old girl who survived the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, which killed more than 200,000 people.

“IMAX is a well-respected international brand that represents an advanced immersive movie experience, coupled with unparalleled image and sound quality,” added Director Feng Xiaogang. “It will be the ideal theatrical format to present the devastation of the Tangshan earthquake and the Chinese people’s resistance and camaraderie in times of adversity that is depicted in my latest film.”

IMAX Corporation has developed a proprietary process to re-master films into IMAX’s format so that audiences can experience the adventure, drama and emotion of their favorite blockbusters with the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). Known as IMAX DMR(R), this proprietary technology digitally enhances the image and sound quality of these films for exhibition in IMAX theatres. The resulting images have a level of clarity and sharpness that consumers expect from The IMAX Experience.

The IMAX theatre network has successfully exhibited dozens of Hollywood’s biggest films that have been digitally re-mastered into IMAX’s format in 2D and IMAX(R) 3D. The new business relationship with Huyai Bros. is similar to those IMAX has with its studio partners in Hollywood.

Currently, the IMAX theatre network consists of more than 370 IMAX theatres in 43 countries. Close to one billion people have visited an IMAX theatre since the Company’s inception. China is IMAX’s largest international growth market with 18 theatres currently open and more than 40 scheduled to be open by the end of 2012.

About IMAX Corporation
———————-

IMAX Corporation is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX(R) theatres delivering the world’s best movie presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R), technology. IMAX DMR is the Company’s groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of March 31, 2009, there were 371 IMAX theatres (250 commercial, 121 institutional) operating in 43 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX(R) DMR, The IMAX 3D Experience(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imaxnews) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

Background on Huayi Bros.
————————-

Huayi Brothers Group Ltd. is one of China’s largest film studios.

Described as “China’s Warner Bros of tomorrow” because of its potential in the booming market, holds about a 30-40 percent market share in domestic movie production (top 20 films) and 30 percent in movie distribution.

Huayi was established by brothers Wang Zhongjun (Dennis Wang) and Wang Zhonglei (James Wang) in 1994. The Wang brothers hold a combined stake in Huayi of more than 50 percent. Other major investors include Tom Group Ltd., Focus Media Holding Ltd., and Yahoo China.

The company has solely or jointly produced more than 50 movies since 1998, including award-winning A World Without Thieves (2005) starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau which produced USD$13.8 mil in China BO, The Banquet (2006) USD$17.6 mil in China BO by famous Chinese director Feng Xiaogang, Assembly (2007) with USD$38.2 mil in China BO also directed by Feng Xaiogang, and If You are the One (2008) with USD$43.8 mil in China BO. Huayi has also worked with Sony Pictures in the past to jointly invest in or produce Chinese movies, some of which target overseas audience markets. Due to the rapid growth of new cinemas in China, Huayi has significantly grown its China BO and has made a name for itself internationally as a producer of quality foreign films.

Huayi also runs a variety of other businesses including music recording and agent services for artists. Huayi has begun to build a theatre network in China with plans for 150 to 200 screens within five years.

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on management’s assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include ongoing discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the Company’s accounting, the performance of films, the signing of theatre system agreements, the viability of new technologies, businesses and products, the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format, general commercial exhibition and out-of-home entertainment markets. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

SOURCE IMAX Corporation

DF Indie Studios Launches a Producer-Centric Venture With Guaranteed U.S. Theatrical Distribution for Films Budgeted up to $10 Million

Led by Mary Dickinson and Charlene Fisher, and Guided by an A-List Management Team, Consultants and Advisory Board; the New York-Based Venture is Working to Greenlight a Starting Slate of Commercially Viable Films with Producing Partners Scott Free, This is that Productions, RedBone Films and Jennifer Fox

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ — Offering a new, producer-centric studio model for the independent film industry, entertainment finance and business development experts Mary Dickinson and Charlene Fisher have announced the launch of DF Indie Studios (DFIS). The New York-based venture, guided by seasoned industry consultants and an experienced advisory board, embraces a transparent and unlevered business model that combines the best features of major studios with the cost efficiencies of independent film.

DFIS, www.dfindiestudios.com, aims to finance and distribute between 10 to 12 multi-genre, commercially viable films per year, budgeted up to $10 million and backed by a guaranteed U.S. theatrical release, $150 million in distribution guarantees, foreign sales, promotion and advertising (P&A) revolver, as well as distribution across all platforms. This new film financing model contains a core value that is very appealing to investors, and unique to the industry in that investors return will be based on all the revenue streams of the company, including distribution fees and exit value.

DFIS’ mandate is to serve as a home for a carefully selected group of producers, providing the tools to give their commercially viable films in this price bracket the best chance for national and international success. DFIS films will be produced by a team of established producers with successful box office track records including: This is that Productions – Ted Hope and Anne Carey (Adventureland, In the Bedroom, 21 Grams, The Ice Storm, The Savages); Scott Free – Ridley and Tony Scott’s shingle (Gladiator, The Taking of Pelham 123, Thelma & Louise, American Gangster); Jennifer Fox (Michael Clayton, Good Night and Good Luck, Duplicity, Syriana); and RedBone Films whose co-founder, Samara Koffler, ran Harrison Ford’s production company for eight years.

Dickinson and Fisher are joined by Rita Chiappetta-Thibault, chief financial officer of DFIS. As executive vice president of finance and accounting for New Line Home Entertainment, Chiappetta-Thibault helped grow revenues from $150 million to more than $1 billion.

The DFIS distribution strategy was developed in conjunction with veteran Ira Deutchman, a three-decade distribution and marketing expert who has worked on over 150 films and launched Fine Line Features, Cinecom Entertainment Group and Emerging Pictures. Foreign sales and output deals are managed by industry veteran Glen Basner, chief executive officer of FilmNation.

For the last two years, the DFIS founders have engaged respected studio finance executive John Hadity, to guide them through the intricate world of film financing, tax incentives and production planning. Hadity, currently the chairman of the Producers Guild of America East, served 12 years as executive vice president (EVP) of production for Miramax and currently heads Hadity & Associates. He will work closely with DFIS EVP of Production Amy Slotnick, a studio production executive and independent film producer who recently concluded her tenure with Miramax as senior vice president of production.

The DFIS advisory board includes Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Universal; David Wiederecht, president of Investment Strategies and chief investment officer for GE Asset Management; David Spieler, global head of Duff and Phelps Technology and Entertainment Practices; and Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton.

* “DF Indie Studios is set to become an invaluable saving grace of a currently endangered species: the intelligent, ambitious and commercially viable independent film – maybe even of intelligent, ambitious and commercially viable independent filmmakers themselves,” stated Tilda Swinton. “It is my honour and my personal pleasure to be working alongside Mary and Charlene in shaping this inspired and inspiring company.”

* “To launch a completely unlevered company in the current climate is the right way to go for our investors, partners and producers,” said Mary Dickinson, who serves as chief executive officer of DF Indie Studios. “Our investors appreciate that they will share in all the revenue streams of the studio. They love that we will be also be generating 10,000 to 15,000 film jobs over the next five years, and pumping millions of dollars into local economies with DFIS.”

* “We couldn’t be launching the company at a more perfect time. There is a huge opportunity in the independent film world and we believe we have found a singular place in the market,” said Charlene Fisher, president and chief operating officer of DF Indie Studios. “There is a growing demand for commercial features, and a lack of quality products at the right price. At DFIS we will work with our production partners and provide end to end financing, a rigorous greenlight process and guaranteed U.S. distribution to meet this increasing demand. No one else is solely supporting films produced for up to $10 million in this way.”

Chief Executive Officer Mary Dickinson has 20 years of experience in business building, investment and restructuring in entertainment and sports. She restructured and ran the leading extreme sports film production company, Teton Gravity Research, taking it from near bankruptcy to stability. Among other initiatives, her efforts included producing two NBC primetime pilots with Ben Silverman’s production company Reveille. She consulted on the development and financing of RedBone Films (now a DFIS partner), and negotiated content and representation deals with ABC’s “The View,” British Telecom, and William Morris.

President and Chief Operating Officer Charlene A. Fisher has 16 years of experience in business development and restructuring in the entertainment, sports and internet arenas. Most recently, she restructured and managed a portfolio company for GE Asset Management and then worked with RedBone Films to develop a dynamic new independent film production business model. She has also worked with clients that include ABC, NBC, HBO, ESPN, The Golf Channel, NBA, NHL, MLB, and PGA and LPGA Tours, among others.

Quotes from DFIS’ production partners, advisory board and consultants:

* “I have known Charlene and Mary for almost ten years and cannot think of two more creative, honest and determined people to run DF Indie Studios,” stated David Wiederecht, president and chief information officer of investment strategies for GE Asset Management. “I have seen both of them pull off what others thought was impossible, and they always keep the interests of their financial partners first and foremost in importance.”

* “We have been working with the DF Indie Studios team for over a year now to make sure their model is designed to help the producer create great films,” said Ted Hope of This is that Productions. “Having guaranteed distribution through Ira and his team, working with other key DF Indie Studios team members like John Hadity on production finance and Amy Slotnick on slate development, as well as significant P&A to support their films is something we emphasized and they are delivering.”

* “I am so excited about your plans. Just back from Cannes where it is clear that your timing is perfect. The current environment really pleads for this sort of new venture! You’ve got an amazing team – all people I have known, respected and worked with for years,” stated Pat Kaufman, executive director, New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture & Television Development.

* “DFIS offers its equity investors an unprecedented opportunity by providing an unlevered business model with 105% downside risk protection and guaranteed North American distribution for all greenlit films,” explains advisory board member and investor David Spieler. “And best of all, equity investors will share in all revenue streams of the studio including distribution fees and any exit.”

* Says John Hadity, “I recognized immediately that DFIS was going to shift the asset class back to the producer, where it belongs. It has been tremendously exciting to participate in the process of bringing this new model to life.”

* “The reason I have spent the last year helping to develop the unique and effective DF Indie Studios distribution plan is that the co-founders, Mary and Charlene, have created an industry-changing studio model for indie film with an exceptionally talented executive team, a passion for film and impressive partnerships,” says Ira Deutchman.

* “International distributors will respond very positively to a new U.S. distribution company that can supply films with a guaranteed theatrical release and at budget levels that make sense in today’s economic climate,” stated Glen Basner, chief executive officer of FilmNation..

* “DF Indie Studios fills a missing niche, providing a unique way for investors to participate with independent filmmakers making films that will be distributed,” says Christopher Dixon, managing director of media investments at GGCP, Inc.

* “I wanted an opportunity to get involved in independent film with a partner that treats its investors as exactly that – partners. The DF Indie Studios business model has been designed as an old-fashioned, unlevered model that ensures investors share in all revenue streams of the studio including distribution fees and any exits. Additionally, their veteran management team and producing partners are exactly the people who can deliver on the DF Indie Studios promise,” says investor Sue Callaway, former general manager of Jaguar Cars North America, and a current contributing editor at Fortune and CNNMoney.com.

Contact:
Chris Libby (B|W|R Public Relations)
(646) 301-5554
clibby@bwr-la.com

Siobhan Aalders (Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide)
(212) 880-5341
Siobhan.Aalders@ogilvypr.com

Gina Lang (B|W|R Public Relations)
(310) 248-6109
glang@bwr-la.com

SOURCE DF Indie Studios

The Museum of Chinese in America Announces Opening

- Doors Open on June 26 to Launch Summer Programs -

- Full Core Exhibition and First Group Show Open on September 22 -

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ — The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), announced today that it will open its new location at 215 Centre Street on Friday, June 26. The opening will coincide with the launch of MOCA’s 2009 summer program of independent films, pop culture, guided tours, book events and family activities. On Tuesday, September 22, officials and VIPs will preside over MOCA’s Celebration Ceremony to unveil the full MOCA core exhibit, “With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America” along with MOCA’s first group show, “Here & Now: Chinese Artists in New York,” featuring prominent contemporary artists of Chinese descent.

“From its community-based roots, MOCA’s new home marks its emergence as a national institution,” said Jonathan Ligh, M.D., Chair of MOCA’s Board of Trustees. “Our institutional capacity will increase six-fold and allow us to house a range of exhibitions and programs to facilitate a deeper and broader dialogue about Chinese American history, identity, and culture,” he added.

“The inspiration for this new home is the spirit of our Chinese American forebears and all that they have accomplished in America over the past 160 years,” said Executive Director and co-founder Charles Lai. He added, “We owe it to ourselves and our children to create an educational institution that is committed to fostering dialogue and exploring the meaning and dynamics of our diverse, immigrant-based-and-built American identity and society. This new home is the culmination of the efforts made by co-founder John Kuo Wei Tchen, an outstanding staff, Board of Trustees, and the faithful support of a host of public and private funders, individual donors and angels.”

The New MOCA

Designed by renowned artist/designer Maya Lin, MOCA’s new home is a 14,000 square foot space featuring multiple exhibition galleries, interactive visitor kiosks, a multi-purpose auditorium/classroom, a research center, and a flexible space for various multidisciplinary public programs. MOCA is on its way to achieving LEED SILVER certification – incorporating environmentally sustainable design solutions throughout the museum.

The design juxtaposes the past with the present while creating new spaces that redefine the identity of the building. At the heart of the museum is its historic skylit courtyard, left deliberately raw and untouched, that harkens back to the memory of a Chinese courtyard house or of the past. Each room of the core exhibition wraps around this courtyard and short biographic films are projected onto the glass windows facing the courtyard to give a glimpse of the stories and faces of Chinese Americans through history – from the 1850s to the present day.

Located just inside the main entrance, The Journey Wall, comprised of individual bronze tiles, highlights the Chinese American diaspora, and links places of origin with the current homes of Chinese American families throughout the fifty states. The Journey Wall offers individuals a chance to contribute to MOCA as well as help share personal journeys that describe the larger diaspora of Chinese Americans throughout the United States.

“MOCA’s new space and its Journey Wall focus attention on individuals and families of Chinese heritage who have made their homes throughout the country, and are very much a part of the fabric of this nation. The space was designed to show the dynamic presentation of the Chinese American story, as an integral part of the greater, and continually evolving, American story,” said Ms. Lin.

Summer Programs 2009

The June 26 opening of MOCA launches an exciting summer schedule of programs, which can be found at http://www.mocanyc.org/summer2009. This schedule includes:

* June 26, 27, 28: MOCA provides free admission throughout the weekend, along with special activities.

* July 1: MOCA’s Chinatown Film Project (CFP) Premiere features original short films by Miguel Arteta, Patty Chang, Jem Cohen, Cary Fukunaga, So Yong Kim & Bradley Rust Gray, Amir Naderi, Sam Pollard, Shelly Silver, Rose Troche, and Wayne Wang & Richard Wong on their unique visions of Chinatown, New York. The CFP is on view at MOCA through December 31, 2009.

* July 2: MOCA launches Target Free Thursdays – Free gallery admission every Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. This exciting benefit has been made possible through the generosity of Target.

* July 11: First Asian American ComiCon (AACC) – MOCA, in collaboration with Secret Identities Universe Media, Asian American Writers’ Workshop and Asian CineVision, presents a day-long event that explores the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of comics and graphic fiction.

* July 24 – 26: 32nd Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) – MOCA, in association with Asian CineVision, hosts the AAIFF Short Film Program, 72 Hr Film Shootout, For Youth by Youth, and Screenplay Reading.

Core Exhibit

Visitors during the summer will be able to access sections of MOCA’s new core exhibition, “With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America.” The exhibition was designed by MGMT Design/Matter Practice Architecture with co-curators historian John Kuo Wei Tchen and Cynthia Ai-fen Lee, and is an exploration of the Chinese American experience–from the first steps of early Chinese immigrants on the American frontier, to the dramatic story of a people caught between the power and politics of two nations, to the continuing journey to understand what it means to be Chinese American, and ultimately, America’s own journey as a nation. The entire exhibition will be on full view on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.

“Here and Now: Chinese Artists in New York,” Opens on September 22, 2009 and Runs through Spring 2010

The Museum of Chinese in America presents “Here & Now: Chinese Artists in New York” – its first group show of contemporary artists of Chinese descent. Curated by Zhijian Qian, Here & Now explores the identity category “Chinese American” through the visual language of contemporary art. The exhibition is organized into three, seven-week long chapters–Visual Memories, Crossing Boundaries, and Toward Transculturalism–that reflect a wide range of cultural and ethnic issues that MOCA has been exploring in previous exhibitions, such as the cultural and political relationship between the United States and China, and the desire to synthesize the Chinese tradition with the tradition of modern western art.

About the Museum of Chinese in America

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a not-for-profit institution founded in 1980 by John Kuo Wei Tchen, New York University’s Associate Professor of History and Director of the A/P/A Studies Program and Charles Lai, MOCA’s Executive Director. MOCA preserves and presents the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Through innovative exhibitions as well as educational and public programs, MOCA promotes dialogue and understanding among people of all cultural backgrounds. MOCA is located at 215 Centre Street (between Howard and Grand Streets) and is one block north of Canal Street.

The Museum will grow beyond its physical walls and launch a new online initiative named, “Digital MOCA,” which will connect and engage audiences locally, regionally and globally through an interactive timeline of Chinese American history, a repository of individual and family histories, web-based versions of gallery exhibitions and downloadable educational resources.

To become a member, please visit www.mocanyc.org/support_moca/membership

To learn more about the opportunity to celebrate your journey and/or your families’ journey to America, please visit www.mocanyc.org/StoryMap

The Museum’s hours are:
Monday:               11am-5pm
Tuesday:              Closed
Wednesday:            Closed
Thursday:             11am-9pm
Friday:               11am-5pm
Saturday:             10am-5pm
Sunday:               10am-5pm

The Museum is closed to the public from Tuesday to Wednesday, except for
prescheduled group tours and other special occasions.

2009 Summer Holiday Closings: July 4 and September 7

Regular admission prices are:
General Admission: $7
Seniors (w/ID) and Students (w/school ID): $4
Children under 12 in groups less than 8: free
MOCA Members: free

Hours, admission prices and schedule of events are subject to changes.

Visit www.mocanyc.org or call the Museum at (212) 619-4785 for updated information.

SOURCE Museum of Chinese in America

Win a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Interview Filmmaker Peter Jackson, Director Neill Blomkamp, and Star Sharlto Copley and Cover Comic-Con in San Diego in IGN’s ‘District 9′ VIP Access Sweepstakes

CULVER CITY, Calif., June 15 /PRNewswire/ — In IGN’s District 9 VIP Access Sweepstakes, two moviegoers can win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interview Oscar(R)-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, as well as District 9’s director, Neill Blomkamp, and star, Sharlto Copley. The grand prize winners will get the unique chance to learn exclusive details about the highly-anticipated science-fiction thriller District 9 during a two-day trip to San Diego, California as they cover Comic-Con for IGN.com.

As special correspondents for IGN, the winners will cover District 9 events, including attending the District 9 panel and interviewing the cast and filmmakers. Jackson, who produced the film, is attending Comic-Con for the first time to support District 9. To enter the sweepstakes visit www.ign.com/d9.

District 9 will be released in theaters nationwide on August 14, 2009.

Commenting on the announcement, Dwight Caines, president, worldwide digital marketing, said, “We have previously offered sweepstakes that provided everyday fans unprecedented access to filmmakers on movies such as Spider-Man 3, and we know what this kind of unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity means to moviegoers and those making the trip to Comic-Con. This convention has become the pre-eminent fan appreciation event in the world and we are excited to be able to offer two lucky winners this extraordinary access to meet with and interview Peter Jackson, as well as our director Neill Blomkamp and star Sharlto Copley and report on what they learned about District 9 for IGN.com.”

The sweepstakes offers grand prizes to one male and one female winner. Each winner will enjoy a two-night/three-day trip to Comic-Con International: San Diego, including airfare, hotel, and passes to the world-renowned convention. For more information and the official rules (available at http://microsites.ign.com/d9/rules.html), please visit www.ign.com/d9.

About District 9

Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa’s District 9 as the world’s nations argued over what to do with them.

Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens’ welfare – they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens’ awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA.

The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable – he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

District 9 is directed by Neill Blomkamp. The screenplay is by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell. The film is produced by Carolynne Cunningham and Peter Jackson.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

SOURCE Sony Pictures

Curious George Swings on to the Live Stage

The World’s Favorite Mischievous Monkey Hits the Road October 1st for the U.S. Tour of Curious George Live!

MINNEAPOLIS, June 15 /PRNewswire/ — Curious George(R), the irrepressible little monkey who has captured children’s hearts for generations, jumps into action when he takes the stage this fall in the inaugural U.S. tour of Curious George Live! The tour was jointly announced today by VEE Corporation, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Universal Studios Family Productions and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Starring in his own original live musical stage production and – for the first time – touring arena and theater stages throughout the country, Curious George is on a mission to help Chef Pisghetti win a world-famous meatball competition. This adventure takes him to Rome and The Golden Meatball Contest. With every swing and flip, George takes the audience through a fun-filled, entertaining story with lots of music and dance that the whole family will enjoy.

Curious George Live! debuts at U.S. Cellular Arena in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 1st, and goes on to play across the country in over 40 markets, including Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Nashville, Kansas City and Memphis, among others, through spring 2010 in this inaugural tour. Tickets will be available through www.curiousgeorgelive.com.

Vincent E. Egan, founder and President of VEE Corporation, stated: “We are extremely excited about Curious George Live! He’s a wonderful character with broad appeal spanning generations. The opportunity to work with Universal and others involved makes us proud.”

“Curious George continues to endure as one of the best-loved and endearing characters of all time,” said Glenn Ross, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Universal Studios Family Productions. “Four generations of kids have loved his uniquely heartwarming books, movies and TV series and now will have the opportunity to see George come to life through this family musical extravaganza.”

Children and parents around the world have delighted in Curious George’s adventures in books for nearly 65 years. Created by Margret and H.A. Rey in 1941, Curious George has provided the inspiration for a flourishing line of educational and entertaining properties that includes the Daytime Emmy Award(R)-winning, number-one rated PBS children’s program, successful film and DVD releases including an all-new Curious George holiday-themed release set to debut exclusively on DVD later this year, a line of original books, Curious George-branded interactive games and toys, and an interactive attraction at the Universal Hollywood theme park, with new additions planned throughout 2009.

VEE Corporation (www.vee.com) is one of the most experienced and respected names in family entertainment. VEE has entertained millions of children and caregivers around the world with live touring stage shows based on America’s leading PBS television properties including Sesame Street, Dragon Tales, Bear in the Big Blue House, and more. With the expertise of its custom design, build and fabrication divisions (VEE Production Services and Costumes & Creatures) VEE provides a one-stop shop for the support of the entertainment and professional costume/mascot industry. Clients in the sports, museum, corporate and event marketing sectors also turn to VEE for imaginative solutions capturing the undivided attention of their customers and audiences through custom interactive environments. Founded by Vincent E. Egan in 1980, VEE’s operations are headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Universal Studios Family Productions banner, which includes Universal Animation Studios, develops, and produces live-action and animated family productions directly for the home entertainment and television markets. Among the group’s portfolio of prized properties is The Land Before Time, the most successful feature-length children’s home entertainment franchise of all time, having earned more than one billion dollars worldwide to date. Since its formation in 2005, the group has built an exceptional slate of family fare, including the all new DVD Original release Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, the latest installment in the hugely successful Bring It On film franchise set to debut in August 2009; the highly popular action-adventure epic Scorpion King 2: Rise of A Warrior; the Daytime Emmy(R)-winning “Curious George” television series on PBS KIDS; a string of Barbie movies based on the world-renowned Mattel-branded doll; and the most recent crowd pleaser Beethoven’s Big Break, based on the beloved family franchise. Universal Studios Family Productions is part of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions is the theatrical production unit of the world-famous motion picture studio. Universal’s stage credits include the acclaimed worldwide productions of Tony Award-winning Wicked and the 2009 Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot The Musical as well as licensed productions including Cry-Baby and Xanadu.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world’s largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K-12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit www.hmhpub.com.

Curious George Live! itinerary as of June 15, 2009:

Multiple performances per city. More cities being added daily. Find cities and venues at: www.curiousgeorgelive.com.

Cedar Rapids, IA
Oct. 1 – 4

St. Louis, MO
Oct. 8 – 11

Detroit, MI
Oct. 15 – 18

Nashville, TN
Oct. 22 – 25

Baton Rouge, LA
Oct. 29 – Nov. 1

Kansas City, MO
Nov. 5 – 8

Oklahoma City, OK
Nov. 12 – 15

Dallas, TX
Nov. 19 – 22

Southaven, MS (Memphis, TN)
Nov. 25 – 29

Tulsa, OK
Dec. 3 – 6

Wichita, KS
Dec. 10 – 13

Beaumont, TX
Dec. 18 – 20

Des Moines, IA
Jan. 1 – 3

Buffalo, NY
Jan. 13 – 17

Merrillville, IN
Jan. 20 – 24

Hoffman Estates, IL (Chicago)
Jan. 28 – 31

Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 4 – 7

Charlotte, NC
March 11 – 14

Cleveland, OH
April 7 – 11

SOURCE VEE Corporation; Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Rooftop Comedy’s 2nd Annual National College Comedy Competition Announces Winners

University of Minnesota’s Comedy Team Wins Stand-Up Competition & Xavier University’s “Danny and the Page” Wins Funny Film Competition

SAN FRANCISCO, June 15 /PRNewswire/ — Over the past six months, almost 1,000 college comedians and funny filmmakers have competed in six elimination rounds of the 2nd Annual Rooftop Comedy National College Comedy Competition (www.rooftopcomedy.com/college) to ultimately be named one of “The Country’s Funniest College Students.” On Saturday, June 13th in Aspen, CO, the four members of the University of Minnesota’s Comedy Team and Xavier University’s, Beards of Industry, the creators of “Danny and the Page,” received the title.

The University of Minnesota’s Comedy Team members are:

* Trevor Anderson, from Woodville, WI
* Linda Aarons from St. Paul, MN
* Andy Erikson from Ham Laker, MN
* Bradford Paik from Portland, OR

“Danny and the Page” is the creation of the Beards of Industry of Xavier University, led by:

* Reid Faylor from Ft. Wayne, IN
* Andrew Short from Cincinnati, OH

Beginning in January 2009, Rooftop Comedy traveled to 32 schools around the country hosting stand-up competitions. Based on audience voting, 8 standup comedians were named to their school’s teams. With a combination of six live competitions at prestigious clubs and online and mobile voting rounds, the teams were narrowed to just four, one from each region of the country. The funny film competition was open to filmmakers from every school in the country, and after five rounds of expert judging and online and mobile voting, the field was narrowed to just four funny films.

All finalists were flown the 2nd Annual Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival, where 30 Rising Stars of Comedy were performing, to compete in a live online broadcast for the title of ‘The Country’s Funniest College Students,’ where University of Minnesota and Xavier University prevailed based on live audience and online votes.

“We are very proud of these talented comics and filmmakers,” said Will C. Rogers, founder and CEO of Rooftop Comedy. “Not only is this a big win for them, it is also a big win for comedy fans who are now familiar with these fresh new voices of comedy.”

The winning performances and funny film can be seen at www.rooftopcomedy.com/college.

About Rooftop Comedy:

Rooftop Comedy is the largest producer of performance based comedy programming and original comedy productions. Rooftop Comedy records live comedy performances 365 nights a year from its network of comedy clubs throughout North America, Europe and Australia, distributing original comedy programming to mobile, web, broadcast, and print outlets that include Current TV, Apple iTunes, Yahoo!, Nokia, Hulu, FastCompany Magazine, YouTube, and TiVO. Working with more than 3,500 professional comedians, Rooftop Comedy maintains a growing video library of tens of thousands of hours of comedy content. Rooftop Comedy produces a range of local and national events programming, including the annual National College Comedy Competition and the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival.

Media Contacts:
Loren Pomerantz
Office:  212-583-0338
Cell: 917-902-0219
loren@combined-forces.com

SOURCE Rooftop Comedy

Photos: New Balance Celebrates Its Shoemaking Heritage and Commitment to American Workers

New Balance Celebrates Its Shoemaking Heritage and Commitment to American Workers at Newbalance.Com/USA. (PRNewsFoto/NEW BALANCE)

BOSTON, MA UNITED STATES

Online Documentary and Awareness Campaign Launches to Highlight Craftsmanship and Community of Domestic Manufacturing

BOSTON, June 16 /PRNewswire/ — This week, New Balance, the only athletic company that still produces footwear in the United States, launches a national celebration of its domestic manufacturing workforce through an online documentary and awareness campaign.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090616/NY33206)

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/newbalance/38813/

“We made our first pair of running shoes in 1938 and have never wavered in our commitment to domestic manufacturing,” says Rob DeMartini, CEO at New Balance. “During this tough economic time, we are proud to showcase the powerful unity of our American workforce and their local community. Our associates have passion and pride in their craftsmanship, and their dedication to their work is why we are able to withstand economic challenges and remain strong. This documentary highlights Skowhegan as our first Maine factory, but tells the success story of all New Balance manufacturing facilities and associates.”

The documentary can be seen at New Balance’s website at newbalance.com/USA which highlights the company’s domestic manufacturing history, facilities and footwear products. The video can also be viewed on New Balance’s Facebook and YouTube fan pages. Later this month, New Balance will invite consumers to share their feedback to win an opportunity to experience Skowhegan shoemaking first-hand. For every entry, New Balance will donate $1 to the non-profit National Center for Craftsmanship (NCC) up to $50,000. The NCC is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and sustainability of quality craftsmanship from construction and manufacturing to art and handicrafts.

Digital Kitchen, the production company that produced the documentary, spent a week in Skowhegan, Maine filming the company’s associates at work and at home as well as the Skowhegan landscape and greater community.

New Balance highlights its commitment to American workers through a national awareness campaign this summer including print, radio and online advertising. Dedicated in-store materials as well as footwear hangtags and box stickers highlight the 993, 1063 and 769 models as either Made or Assembled in America.

“Our New Balance associates have proven that high-quality athletic footwear can be produced competitively in America,” says DeMartini. “We are proud of them and how they have helped us to maintain our unique heritage of domestic manufacturing.”

New Balance has five U.S. manufacturing facilities in Boston and Lawrence, MA and Norway, Norridgewock and Skowhegan, Maine as well as one in Flimby, UK. A quarter of the company’s total athletic footwear production is currently made or assembled in the U.S. each year.

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance employs more than 4000 people around the globe, and in 2008 reported worldwide sales of $1.64 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.

SOURCE New Balance

DALLAS Film Society, AFI Announce Completion of Successful Initial Three-Year Agreement

DALLAS International Film Festival Among Top Film Festivals

DALLAS, June 17 /PRNewswire/ — The DALLAS Film Society and the American Film Institute (AFI) today announced completion of their initial three-year agreement, following the outstanding success of the 2009 AFI DALLAS International Film Festival.

The annual film festival is the DALLAS Film Society’s signature event.

“AFI is proud to have played a role in launching the Dallas Film Society’s annual film festival,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “Dallas is home to many of this nation’s premier arts organizations, and AFI is honored to have helped establish a proper place for film along side the other arts in this great city.”

“For more than 40 years, AFI has honored and celebrated filmmaking, and their expertise and experience have been invaluable to us,” said Ruth O’Donnell Mutch, the festival’s first donor and now Chair of the DALLAS Film Society board of directors. “This relationship has helped DALLAS to take its place among the nation’s top 20 film festivals, with more than 100,000 attendees in our first three years.”

The DALLAS Film Society’s agreement with AFI began in 2006 to support the launch of the city’s largest international film festival, and to help establish it among the film industry’s foremost events. Over the past three years, the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival has attracted widespread acclaim, enthusiastic crowds and appearances by many of filmdom’s freshest new creative talents as well as some of its most enduring legends.

Mutch and Gazzale are discussing ways for the two entities to work together in the future on a project basis.

The DALLAS Film Society is planning its 2010 international film festival and expects to announce details over the coming weeks.

About the DALLAS Film Society and DALLAS International Film Festival

The DALLAS Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, DALLAS Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop a better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual DALLAS International Film Festival is a presentation of the non-profit DALLAS Film Society.

About AFI

AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers at its world-renowned Conservatory, preserves the legacy of America’s film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and explores new digital technologies at the AFI Digital Content Lab. For 37 years, the AFI Life Achievement Award has remained the highest honor for a career in film. The AFI 100 Years… series has introduced and reintroduced millions of film lovers to classic American movies. And as the largest nonprofit exhibitor in the United States, AFI festivals include AFI FEST presented by Audi in Los Angeles and AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Documentary Festival in Silver Spring, Maryland, while offering year-round programming at the ArcLight Theaters and Skirball Center in Los Angeles, and the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in the Washington, D.C., area. Additional information about AFI is available at AFI.com.

SOURCE DALLAS Film Society; AFI

Omni Hotels Flips for Summer and Captures Favorite Family Moments

Flip Video(TM) Camcorders Ready For Families to Say, ‘Lights, Camera, Vacation!’

IRVING, Texas, June 18 /PRNewswire/ — Summer vacations can now take center stage with the “Omni Flips for Summer” package. Families across North America can borrow a pocket-sized Flip video camcorder and record their most memorable moments when they purchase this special offer from Omni Hotels. Through September 6th, the all-new Flip Ultra(TM) video camcorder, introduced this spring from the Cisco Consumer Business Group, will be available at luxury hotels and resorts across the brand. Along with the simple-to-use Flip video camcorders, families can also start their holiday with a complimentary breakfast for four featuring “Flip-jacks” on their first day.

“We understand how much it takes to create a fabulous family vacation and wanted to find an innovative way for guests to take full advantage of their summer adventures,” said Caryn Kboudi, vice president of corporate communications for Omni Hotels. “The Flip camcorder makes it so fun and easy to make the most of every moment!”

Creating lasting memories is what summer is all about, and in that spirit, a “Summer Fun Counselor” (concierge) will lend advice to guests seeking to discover the true local color of their destination. Whether exploring the many cultural enclaves of New York, Chicago and San Francisco or discovering the amazing Allegheny Mountains through an eco-caching scavenger hunt, guests will have use of a Flip Ultra video camcorder to catch it all. When filming is complete, guests can simply upload their special video memories to their own laptop or use the Omni Hotels Business Center on a complimentary basis to transfer the footage to a thumb drive to take home. Guests are also encouraged to upload a three-minute video to Omni’s popular Local Scoop social networking website as part of the Omni Flips for Summer Video Contest to win a trip to the Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

Upon arrival, the youngest adventurers will receive their very own backpack as part of the Omni Sensational Kids program, filled with entertaining and engaging items such as a flashlight, disc launcher, Twizzlers, a plant-able bookmark and more. The backpack also includes a colorful canteen that will be filled at any of the hotel restaurants along with a list of kid-friendly places to visit in each Omni Hotels’ destination. Kids can also enjoy milk and cookies in their guest room on the first night and can borrow a rolling backpack full of additional games and books from the concierge.

To further spoil its youngest guests, properties in Texas, California and Boston offer Kids’ Fantasy Suites, vibrant guest rooms designed to provide the comforts of home and stimulate the senses of the young travelers. The suites feature twin beds with colorful kids’ bedding, beanbag chairs, an art table, board games, books and more.

For more information about Omni Flips for Summer, Omni Sensational Kids and other flip-out worthy summer travel offers visit omnihotels.com or call 1.800.THE.OMNI. Rates begin at $175-$315 and are subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions can be found at omnihotels.com.

About Omni Hotels

Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 43 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1.800.THE.OMNI.

SOURCE Omni Hotels