September 24, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leslie Unger (310) 247-3000
                      lunger@oscars.org

Horror Director George Romero Takes a Stab at Academy Lecture

Beverly Hills, CA - George Romero, whose 1968 low-budget film "Night of the Living Dead" redefined the horror genre, will deliver the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' George Pal Lecture on Fantasy in Film on Thursday, October 17, at 8 p.m., in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Romero will discuss the films that have influenced him as a director and writer, his own approach to filmmaking and the effects of his decision to remain an independent filmmaker living in Pittsburgh. Clips from Romero's "Martin" (1978) and "The Dark Half" (1993), as well as his breakthrough zombie-fest "Night of the Living Dead," will be featured. In addition, scenes from "The Tales of Hoffmann" (1951), "The Thing" (1951), "Diabolique" (1955), "Touch of Evil" (1958) and "Repulsion" (1965) - which Romero cites as influences on his work - will be screened. Romero's other credits include "Dawn of the Dead" (1979), "Knightriders" (1981), "Creepshow" (1982), "Day of the Dead" (1985), "Monkey Shines" (1988) and "Bruiser" (2000).

The George Pal Lecture on Fantasy in film was established in 1980 in honor of the filmmaker whose career ranged from the creation of the Puppetoons animated series to producing and directing such fantasy classics as "Destination Moon" (1950), "When Worlds Collide" (1951), "War of the Worlds" (1953), "Tom Thumb" (1958) and "The Time Machine" (1960). The lecture is designed to provide a forum for filmmakers and scholars to discuss the science fiction and fantasy film in all of its variations. Past lecturers include Ray Bradbury, Carl Sagan, Richard Matheson, Jim Henson, Joe Dante, Pierre Jenn, Charles Champlin, Rick Baker, John Dykstra and Lynn Spigel. In 1986, the lecture evening featured a screening of "The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal," a documentary examining the life and career of Pal.

Tickets for the George Pal Lecture on Fantasy in Film featuring George Romero are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid identification. They may be purchased in advance by mail or in person at the Academy during regular business hours beginning October 1, or on the night of the lecture, if still available, when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3000, ext. 111.