LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Bringing to life the concept behind the heart-warming film "Millions," a total of $80,000 has been raised to date for clean water for the people of developing countries.
The funds were raised through "Millions in Pennies," a groundbreaking partnership between WaterAid, Fox Searchlight Pictures and the nation's leading theatre chains, which positioned Millions-themed change receptacles in 60 cities in Regal, Loews, Landmark, Laemmle, Century, Clearview and Pacific Theatre chains along with other chains and independent theatres across the country. The fundraiser began on World Water Day, March 22, and ends on Earth Day, April 22.
On April 17, a check for the funds raised was given to WaterAid by Millions producer Andrew Hauptman at the 5th Annual WorldFest in Los Angeles. Said Emily Boyd-Carpenter, WaterAid director, "Thanks to the efforts of Fox Searchlight, the theatre chains and all the people who contributed, we will be able to save 3,200 lives. Additionally, we are delighted that Millions has helped raise awareness about WaterAid and the needs of developing countries."
Fox Searchlight Pictures president of distribution Steve Gilula said: "We are thrilled that Millions has inspired such partnership and philanthropy. And we are grateful to have had the opportunity to share it with our audiences and to facilitate the wonderful generosity and goodwill that it has encouraged."
In Millions, Danny Boyle reinvents the cinematic experience with a story of two little boys, faith, miracles... and lots of money. Starting anew after the death of their mother, 9-year-old Anthony is ever practical, while his 7-year-old brother Damian uses imagination, fantasy, and faith to make sense of his confusing world. When a suitcase full of money falls out of the sky at Damian's feet, it sets the boys on the adventure of a lifetime that leads them to realize that true wealth has nothing to do with money.
Millions began its platform release in Los Angeles and New York on March 11, and is rolling out to major markets throughout April and May. The film's cast includes Alex Etel and Lewis McGibbon, both in their feature film debuts; Daisy Donovan ("Parting Shots") and veteran film actor James Nesbitt, whose many honors include winning a British Independent Film Award and receiving a BAFTA TV Award nomination for his role in "Bloody Sunday" and a SAG nomination as part of the outstanding ensemble cast for "Waking Ned Devine."
WaterAid (www.wateraid.org.uk) is an international charity dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. These basic services are essential to life; without them vulnerable communities are trapped in the stranglehold of disease and poverty. WaterAid works by helping local organizations set up low cost, sustainable projects using technology that can be managed by the community itself. It projects cost just $25 a person, for life. It also seeks to influence the policies of other key organizations, such as governments, to secure and protect the right of poor people to safe, affordable water and sanitation services.
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