King Kong invades Atlantic Station
Charity screening benefits gorilla fund

By Eric Bomba-Ire
CinemATL Founder

Sigourney Weaver talks to fans at the screening. (photo: Eric Bomba-Ire)

Atlanta, Ga.— On the evening of December 7th, African drums resonated through Atlantic Station as local and international celebrities gathered for an advance pre-screening of the most anticipated film of the year, King Kong. The screening, at the Atlantic Station Regal Cinemas, benefited the Atlanta-based Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

"We are truly honored to be one of the first to share Peter Jackson's latest masterpiece with Atlanta and raise considerable funds for the Gorilla Fund," said Clare Richardson, president and CEO of the DFGFI. "While we have experienced success in the protection of mountain gorillas—their population is up 17 percent since 1989—it is only through sustained support from the Atlanta and worldwide communities that we can continue to save gorillas from extinction."

WSB's Monica Kaufman arrives on the red carpet. (photo: Eric Bomba-Ire)

To jumpstart the festivities, Atlantans met at the Fox Grill with the co-host of the evening, Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver—who played Fossey in the 1988 film Gorillas In the Mist—for a special exhibit featuring the Dian Fossey archives and a silent auction of Hollywood collectibles. Proceeds from the auction and from the screening's ticket sales went directly to the conservation and preservation of mountain gorillas.

Following the auction, local residents got one of the very first looks at King Kong—after yet one more special event. The audience was treated to rare footage of mountain gorillas as well as a heartfelt opening message delivered by actor Andy Serkis, who gained fame as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Serkis studied gorilla behavior at the world-famous Dian Fossey Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda to prepare for his eponymous role as the magnificent ape.

Eric Bomba-Ire is the founder of cinemATL

King Kong Benefit Screening:
December 7, 2005

Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station (photo: Eric Bomba-Ire)

African drummers entertained before the screening. (photo: Eric Bomba-Ire)

Ted Turner makes an appearance. (photo: Eric Bomba-Ire)

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• King Kong Benefit Screening
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