SUBMITTED BY katystarlet

January 26, 2002 — Lions Gate Entertainment (AMEX and TSE: LGF) will release the original, unrated director's cut of its critically-acclaimed drama MONSTER'S BALL in Canadian theatres beginning February 1.

The version that will be screened to Canadian moviegoers was rated NC-17 in the U.S. by the MPAA for sexually explicit footage. The movie thus was trimmed a bit to receive an R rating for the U.S. release. In Canada the film has received an "R" in Ontario and an "18A" in British Columbia.

"We are proud to provide Canadian audiences with the original, uncut version of MONSTER'S BALL that is faithful to filmmaker Marc Forster's powerful and uncompromising vision, Lions Gate is deeply committed to preserving the bold, provocative originality of its creative family. MONSTER'S BALL is a film that derives much of its power from its raw and honest portrayal of its characters, and the original version fully preserves the stark authenticity of Forster's and the actors' work." Said Lions Gate Films Releasing President Tom Ortenberg.

Director Marc Forster commented, "I am thrilled that Lions Gate supports the release of the unrated version of MONSTER'S BALL. The love scene is about a minute longer… I think the world needs a little more love these days."