Cuba Gooding Jr. Backs Chivas Regal’s Campaign To Raise Awareness Of Filmaid International

FilmAid UK Chair Iliane Ogilvie Thompson, Chivas Regal Brand Director James Slack and Academy Award winning actor, Cuba Gooding Jr., celebrate FilmAid’s work in Cannes.



Cuba Gooding Jnr Speaking at Cannes on behalf of FilmAid

LONDON 25 May 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Chivas Regal, the original luxury whisky and official sponsor of the 65th Festival De Cannes, reaffirmed its commitment to its global brand partner FilmAid International, after announcing plans for a new global fundraising programme.

To mark the first year anniversary of the Chivas Regal FilmAid partnership, Chivas unveiled a new short film documenting the amazing work of FilmAid focussing on a FilmAid project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.


FilmAid Iliane Ogilvie Thompson, Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Slack

FilmAid is a non-profit organisation that uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need.

The announcement was made yesterday at an intimate event in the Chivas House on the Croisette and is part of Chivas Regal’s renewed ambition to raise awareness of FilmAid’s work whilst at the same time continuing to provide financial support for projects in East Africa to Asia and Haiti.

Oscar winning actor and FilmAid supporter, Cuba Gooding Jr., joined FilmAid UK Chair Iliane Ogilvie Thompson and Chivas Regal Brand Director, James Slack on stage for an exclusive screening of the new short film commissioned by Chivas.

In addition, to help bring the partnership to life in Cannes, the film was supported by an exhibition of images captured during filming by distinguished Magnum Photos photographer, Olivia Arthur.

Cuba Gooding Jr. praised FilmAid’s unique work in using the power of film to bring hope and joy to refugees. He said: “Communities in crisis need information and empowerment. FilmAid provides both through the power of film, and I am delighted to be here to support their work and the generosity of Chivas Regal.”

Cuba is in Cannes for a special screening of the film, Red Tails, which he stars in and which tells the true, heroic story of the Tuskegee airmen. He is joined by George Lucas, director Anthony Hemingway, and producer Rick McCallum for a special screening on Friday, May 25th at 9:30PM on the Cinema de la Plage.

James Slack, Brand Director, Chivas Regal, said, “After a successful first year of the partnership, we are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to FilmAid. Generosity of spirit lies at the heart of the Chivas brand and we are proud to play a continued role in providing financial support to projects worldwide.”

“The FilmAid film will help kick-start our fundraising plans for the year ahead but equally as important raise awareness of the charity’s amazing work by bringing FilmAid’s inspirational story to Cannes.”

Caroline Baron, FilmAid Founder, said, “FilmAid was formed in 1999 with the belief that movies could have a healing effect on refugees and displaced people, specifically those fleeing war in Kosovo.”

“More than a decade later, FilmAid’s work exhibiting and producing educational and inspirational films is thriving in communities affected by war and natural disaster in Haiti, Kenya, Thailand and beyond. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of organizations like Chivas Regal. We are deeply grateful.”

Since the launch of the partnership, Chivas Regal has pledged over US$250,000 investment to support FilmAid projects around the world. The funds raised have assisted with the operational costs of these projects, in particular areas such as film workshops, outdoor evening screenings and community based film production.

This year, the partnership continues with greater global ambition to raise awareness for FilmAid. Plans are already underway for a second Chivas Legend’s fundraising dinner in Dubai, as well as an increased presence at future events and film festivals providing more opportunities to promote the partnership and raise much needed funds.

Chivas Regal and FilmAid International: Inspiring and educating displaced communities through Film.


For more information, please contact:

Jennie Norrish
Head of PR – Chivas Brothers
Tel: +44 (0) 208 250 1739 / Mobile: +44 (0) 7717 450 023 / jennie.norrish@pernod-ricard.com

Vanessa Jerrom
French/International PR
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 97 42 47 / VJ Mobile: +33 (0) 6 14 83 88 82/ vanessajerrom@wanadoo.fr

Victoria Suzman
Projects Coordinator – FilmAid International UK
Tel : +44 (0)777 269 7841 / vicky@filmaid.org

For free editorial content from the FilmAid partnership launch, visit the Chivas FTP site:

Click on the following link ftp.chivasincannes.com

To view this FTP site in Windows Explorer, click Page, and the click Open FTP Site in Windows Explorer.
Username: FilmAid
Password: Chivas2012FA

Press Conference Pictures
Picture 1 – Chivas FilmAid 01 (left to right) Iliane Ogilvie Thompson, Cuba Gooding Jr. and James Slack
Picture 1 – Chivas FilmAid 02 Cuba Gooding Jr

Magnum Images

Images licensed for editorial use in relation to stories on Chivas Regal/Film Aid only. No cover usage.

Images must be credited ©Olivia Arthur/Magnum Photos.

Notes to Editors

Chivas Regal is now in its fourth year as official supplier of the Festival de Cannes – the most exclusive and celebrated international film festival.

2012 Festival de Cannes marks the second year of the global brand partnership between Chivas Regal and FilmAid International

Chivas Regal provide financial support for FilmAid projects around the world; this started with an initial donation of $100,000USD presented at the partnership launch at the Festival de Cannes in 2011. The partnership continues with greater global ambition to raise further funds and awareness of FilmAid projects worldwide.

In March this year, Chivas Regal commissioned a film crew and Magnum Photos photographer, Olivia Arthur, to shoot on location at a FilmAid project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

About FilmAid International

FilmAid International is a non-profit organisation that uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need around the globe.

Working in refugee camps, urban slums, disaster zones and other communities in crisis, FilmAid’s screenings provide a vital channel for conveying knowledge, empowerment and hope.

FilmAid operates two on-going programmes in Kenya: the Kakuma Refugee Camp (93,000 people) on the border of South Sudan and the Dadaab Refugee Camp on the border of Somalia (nearly 500,000 people). These programmes serve refugees from Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Burundi and Ethiopia. FilmAid also works with challenged communities within Kenya, including the Mathare and Kibera Slums. In late 2009 FilmAid started working with Burmese refugees in Thailand, and in 2010 began work with Internally Displaced Persons in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake.

Contacts

Jennie Norrish
Head of PR – Chivas Brothers
Tel: +44 (0) 208 250 1739 / Mobile: +44 (0) 7717 450 023 / jennie.norrish@pernod-ricard.com

Vanessa Jerrom
French/International PR
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 97 42 47 / VJ Mobile: +33 (0) 6 14 83 88 82/ vanessajerrom@wanadoo.fr

Victoria Suzman
Projects Coordinator – FilmAid International UK
Tel : +44 (0)777 269 7841 / vicky@filmaid.org.

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