TIMUR BEKMAMBETOV TO RECEIVE CINEMACON® INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD

WASHINGTON D.C. (December 9, 2011) – Timur Bekmambetov will receive the International Filmmaker of the Year Award, as part of CinemaCon’s International Day, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, which will be held April 23 – 26, 2012 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. CinemaCon, the official convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), is the largest and most important gathering of cinema owners and operators from around the world. Bekmambetov will receive his special honor during International Day festivities, to take place on Monday, April 23, 2012.

Bekmambetov is currently directing and producing the live action adaptation of the Seth Grahame-Smith novel “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” Produced by Tim Burton and Jim Lemley, this visceral and genre-bending 3D action-adventure reveals the incredible story of Lincoln’s lifelong war on vampires, and the role these creatures played in the untold history of the United States. The Twentieth Century Fox film is slated for a June 22, 2012 release.

“With some of the highest grossing films in Russian history, Timur Bekmambetov has brought a unique narrative to international film audiences since his feature film debut ‘Peshavar Vals’ (‘Escape from Afghanistan’) took a violent and realistic look at the war between Russia and Afghanistan,” noted Neuhauser. “From the fantasy films ‘Night Watch’ and ‘Day Watch’ to the action blockbuster ‘Wanted,’ Bekmambetov has thrilled audiences around the globe with his cinematic point of view. And with the impending release of what is sure to be one of the most original, unique and exciting films of 2012, ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,’ we could not be more honored to present Timur Bekmambetov with the CinemaCon International Filmmaker of the Year Award.”

Born in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, Bekmambetov graduated from the A. N. Ostrovsky Theatrical and Artistic Institute in 1987 with a degree in theater and cinema set designing. He began his career as one of the directors of Bank Imperial’s popular “World History” commercials before founding the Bazelevs Group in 1994. Making his feature film debut in 1994 with “Peshavar Vals,” Bekmambetov went on to direct some of the highest grossing Russian movies of all time, including the smash hits “Night Watch” and “Day Watch.” In 2008, Bekmambetov made his Hollywood directorial debut with the Angelina Jolie fronted blockbuster “Wanted.” Additional directing and producing credits include: “GAZ – Russian Cars,” “The Irony of Fate-2,” “Black Lightning,” “Yolki” and “Vykryutasi.” Bekmambetov has also produced a number of films in the US and Russia including “9,” the story of a rag doll in a post-apocalyptic world and the upcoming “The Darkest Hour,” a science fiction film set in Moscow and produced by New Regency. The film stars Emile Hirsch and will be released December 25, 2011.

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 5,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry—from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas—all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office. In returning to Caesars Palace, CinemaCon is able to offer its delegates a modern and upscale conference facility and a one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience in The Colosseum, the 4,200 seat theatre and crown jewel of Caesars Palace.

CinemaCon is delighted to have both the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners.

About CinemaCon

Held March 28-31, 2011 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, CinemaCon is expected to play host to more than 6,000 motion picture theater industry professionals. Additional information on CinemaCon, the Official Convention of NATO, can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 50 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too. For more information visit www.natoonline.org or email nato@natodc.com.

Media Contacts:

Heather Lewandoski
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8147
hlewandoski@rogersandcowan.com

Jessica Erskine
Rogers & Cowan
310.854.8129
jerskine@rogersandcowan.com