KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circuit in the United States, today announces that actor Liam Hemsworth and director Francis Lawrence are scheduled to attend an exclusive benefit screening for the new Lionsgate film, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 IMAX & RPX in Knoxville, Tenn. will host the event on November 19 to raise money for Variety – The Children’s Charity of Eastern Tennessee.
“Regal is rolling out the red carpet in Knoxville to honor Liam Hemsworth and Francis Lawrence who are scheduled to attend this fundraiser for special needs children in the region. I’m certain that East Tennesseans will turn out in force to support this special screening before the film debuts in theatres,” stated Greg Dunn president and chief operating officer of Regal Entertainment Group. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to our friends at Lionsgate Entertainment for making this possible. The fact that this screening is benefiting Variety – The Children’s Charity shows the level of cooperation between our two companies.”
Variety - The Children’s Charity is a multi-million dollar philanthropic organization that spans the globe with 43 chapters in 13 countries, improving the lives of children through creative fundraising efforts, well-placed donations with exceptional children’s charities, and through its own charitable programs. With the help of volunteers and sponsors, Variety - The Children’s Charity continues its mission to provide lifesaving and life-enriching assistance to children in need on the local and international level. The local chapter of Variety was founded in Knoxville by Regal Cinemas in 2001 and since then has generated more than $5 million to assist children in East Tennessee.
“To me, this film franchise is a celebration of individuals who are able to overcome great odds without sacrificing their humanity. Holding a benefit screening to help children is a great way for this movie and these stars to assist others,” said Ted Cooper, senior vice president of film at Regal Entertainment Group and president of the East Tennessee Variety chapter. “After the success of the first movie and the books, we know there is an enormous fan base that is more than eager to see the new film premiere.”
Guests of the event will enjoy a catered reception in the Pinnacle lobby before the stars walk the red carpet to greet the crowd. After the red carpet reception, attendees will have the honor of being some of the first moviegoers to view the new film.
In ‘Catching Fire,’ Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence,(“Silver Linings Playbook,” “The Hunger Games,” and “Winter’s Bone”) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson (“The Hunger Games,” “The Kids Are All Right,” and “Bridge to Terabithia”). Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.
About Regal Entertainment Group:
Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) operates the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuit in the United States, consisting of 7,334 screens in 575 theatres in 42 states along with Guam, Saipan, American Samoa and the District of Columbia as of September 26, 2013. The Company operates theatres in 46 of the top 50 U.S. designated market areas. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company’s theatre circuit not only provide its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience, but is also an exceptional platform to realize economies of scale in theatre operations.
