"LITTLE MANHATTAN'' to Premiere in Central Park

August 09, 2005

"Making its New York premiere at an outdoor screening in the heart of Central Park -- an event that is free and open to the public -- Regency Enterprises' LITTLE MANHATTAN, distributed by Twentieth Century Fox, will close the 3rd ANNUAL CENTRAL PARK FILM FESTIVAL, hosted by the Central Park Conservancy, on Saturday evening, August 27th.

LITTLE MANHATTAN is a new movie that will remind you that New York City is the most romantic place in the world -- especially when you're falling in love for the first time. The cast and filmmakers will be in Central Park to celebrate as the five-night Central Park Film Festival comes to a close with a special event screening of LITTLE MANHATTAN, a sparkling romantic comedy about life, the Big Apple -- and that mysterious, maddening and wonderful phenomenon known as "first love."

Set against the larger-than-life backdrop of Manhattan -- and Central Park in particular -- and shot entirely in New York City with the cooperation of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, LITTLE MANHATTAN is directed by Mark Levin, written by Jennifer Flackett and stars young actor Josh Hutcherson, delightful newcomer Charlie Ray, "Sex & The City's" Cynthia Nixon and "The West Wing's" Bradley Whitford. LITTLE MANHATTAN hits theatres on September 30, 2005.

"This is an amazing honor for us," said director Mark Levin and writer Jennifer Flackett, who are married to each other. "This movie is our love letter to the city of New York. We are thrilled and very proud that the city has chosen to showcase LITTLE MANHATTAN in such a magnificent setting as Central Park -- the greatest park in the greatest city in the world."

"We couldn't be happier that LITTLE MANHATTAN has cast 'big' Manhattan as a character in its film and premiere, and will be showcasing the rich character of our City," Katherine Oliver, Commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, said. "Our local production industry employs 100,000 New Yorkers and contributes $5 billion to our City's economy on an annual basis, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to help productions 'make it in New York.'"

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Central Park Conservancy. Regency Enterprises is pleased to be a part of this free summer event for all New Yorkers and visitors to New York -- bring a date, bring a friend or bring someone you love! First-daters, longtime loves and everyone who's ever been an adolescent will feel nostalgic as they remember their own first love.

At the 3rd ANNUAL CENTRAL PARK FILM FESTIVAL, Central Park is the location and the star of a five-night film festival hosted by the Central Park Conservancy and sponsored by Bloomberg. THE CENTRAL PARK FILM FESTIVAL features free, nightly, outdoor screenings from Tuesday, August 23rd through Saturday, August 27th. Films will be shown at 8:00 p.m. each night.

Held in Central Park's Rumsey Playfield (mid-Park at east 69th street), the Film Festival presents an opportunity for residents and visitors of New York to gather together and share an evening under the stars seeing films that feature Central Park. Filmmakers have used Central Park in over 200 movies since the Park made its movie debut in 1908 in the silent version of "Romeo and Juliet."

SCHEDULE

All screenings begin at 8:00 p.m. at Rumsey Playfield (East 69 Street, off Fifth Avenue).

Tuesday, August 23

ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)

Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe. With Billy Crudup, Kate Husdon, and Frances McDormand. William Miller, a 15 year-old kid, is hired by Rolling Stone Magazine to tour with, and write about Stillwater, an up and coming rock band. This wonderfully witty coming of age film follows William as he falls face first to confront life, love, and lingo. 122 min.

Wednesday, August 24

MARATHON MAN (1976)

Directed by John Schlesinger. With Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Oliver. Columbia University graduate student, Babe Levy, spends his spare time running in marathons. He finds himself running for his life, however, when a series of deadly events beyond his control leads to his pursuit by fierce Nazi fugitive, Szell. 125 min.

Thursday, August 25

THE BAND WAGON (1953)

Directed by Vincente Minnelli. With Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Fading movie musical star, Tony Hunter, down and out in Hollywood, decides to try his luck on the Broadway stage. Unfortunately, the simple hoofer discovers that pretentious director has control of the project, and that instead of good humor, happy songs, and a tapping chorus line, there'll be lengthy speeches, heavy drama, and lots of soul searching. But Tony takes charge, and he's out to prove the show must go on -- his way! 112 min.

Friday, August 26

THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (1983)

Directed by Frank Oz. With Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and The Muppets gang. Fresh out of drama school, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the entire Muppets gang head to Manhattan with plans to produce a Broadway show, Manhattan Melodies. But when no one in town will even meet with them, it's up to Kermit to believe hard enough for all of his friends that they can make it in the Big Apple. 94 min.

Saturday, August 27

LITTLE MANHATTAN (2005)

On Saturday, August 27th the festival will close with a special event screening of LITTLE MANHATTAN, complete with stars, klieg lights and an open invitation for all New Yorkers and visitors to come enjoy this spectacular new film in a fantastic outdoor presentation under the stars. 86 min.