Oakville’s community cinema Film.ca Cinemas is proud to present two benefit memorial screenings of "Good Will Hunting", starring Robin Williams.
“I was deeply affected by the loss of Robin Williams, whose films have brought so much joy to generations of theatregoers. We wanted to hold a screening to honour such an important artist,” said Film.ca Cinemas Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Knoll. "This will be a great event for fans to share their memories of Williams and to raise awareness of the need to address suicide and mental illness.”
A 100% of admission proceeds will go to CameronHelps, which is a Mississauga-based organization that aims to prevent teen suicide through awareness, reducing stigma and promoting wellness. They provide resources, including general awareness and links to research and additional sources via their website. Their annual Team Unbreakable Run/Walk on Father’s Day encourages broad participation, raises money, and helps bring people closer to the issues surrounding teenage suicide.
In the past half century suicide rates have tripled among youth aged 15 to 24. In each of the last several years 294 young young people have committed suicide, and for every one suicide there are 400 attempted suicides in Canada. That totals 117,600 attempts. Young males are more likely to attempt suicide than young females. Statistics provided by the Canadian Children's Rights Council.
In honour of Robin Williams after his untimely death on August 11th distributor eOne Films has generously donated the cinema rights for this benefit screening. Film.ca wishes to acknowledge eOne Films generosity.
“I’d like to thank Film.ca Cinemas and eOne Films for making this event possible”, said David Harris, CameronHelps Founder. “As we gear up for the start of our Team Unbreakable running programs in Peel and Halton high schools this fall, Robin Williams’ death has highlighted the importance of having conversations about suicide which at the same time will reduce the stigma too often associated with mental illness.”
Admission will be $6.50 per person. Two evening performances will run on the Thursday, August 21st at 6:45 P.M. and 9:15 P.M. Film.ca Cinema is located at 171 Speers Road, Oakville.
“Good Will Hunting” stars Matt Damon as Will Hunting, a genius who's is discovered by a Fields Medal winning Professor who eventually tries to get Will to turn his life around with the help of the eccentric Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Williams won the 1998 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role, and the film launched the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck who wrote the screenplay.
Tickets can be bought at the door or in advance. They are on sale now at the Film.Ca Cinemas box office and online on their website at www.film.ca To learn more about CameronHelps, visit their website at www.CameronHelps.ca.
