Joss Whedon Fans Support Human Rights With Unprecedented Global Movie Event: Organize Charity Screenings Of Sci-Fi Film 'Serenity' In More Than 35 Cities

In late June, filmgoers around the world will hold theatrical screenings of Universal Pictures' "Serenity" to benefit Equality Now -- a non-profit organization that works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure.

Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) June 12, 2006 -- In late June, filmgoers around the world will hold theatrical screenings of Universal Pictures' "Serenity" to benefit Equality Now -- a non-profit organization that works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure.

Conceived late last year by fans of the Joss Whedon motion picture, the coordinated "Serenity Now/Equality Now" effort includes over thirty-five charity screenings in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, most to be held on June 22, 23, or 24 -- all to benefit Equality Now, one of writer/director Whedon's favorite charities.

The Los Angeles screening has already sold out.

June 23 was selected as the date for many of the screenings both because it mirrors that of one of the advance screenings of 'Serenity' held by Universal Pictures last summer -- and because it is Whedon's birthday.

But this year, unlike last year's advance showings of the film, fans themselves have organized the screenings on a far grander global scale as a fundraiser for Equality Now. And while not all occurring on a single day, fans have organized a larger number of screenings than those arranged by Universal Pictures for June 23 of last year.

"There are two ways to fight a battle like ours," said Whedon, best known for creating the iconic female character series 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer', and a dedicated supporter of Equality Now. "One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtly and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That's me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That's a great deal harder, and that’s Equality Now. It's not about politics; it's about basic human decency."

"All of us at Equality Now continue to be amazed by and grateful for ... 'Serenity' fans' generous and committed support for our work," said Amanda Sullivan of Equality Now. "Their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring and these screenings are coming at a critical time when we are especially in need of funds. We thank each and every one of them -- and Happy Birthday to Joss!"

"The watchword here really is 'benefit'", said Christopher Frankonis, coordinator of the worldwide Serenity Now/Equality Now event. "Naturally, fans receive the benefit of seeing 'Serenity' on the big screen. But more significantly, the important work of Equality Now benefits from a truly unique worldwide fundraiser. And Joss Whedon, of course, gets the benefit of it being a sort of global birthday 'thank you' from his fans."

See the Can't Stop The Serenity website at http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/ for information on the event, and details on the growing list of participating cities around the world.

For additional information, contact:

Christopher Frankonis

Tel: 503-939-7071

Worldwide Screenings: http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/

Equality Now: http://www.equalitynow.org/

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