For the first time ever, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, The LEGO Company and Film Education have come together to create a totally unique initiative, which will give thousands of children across the country a voice in the film industry.

As part of Film Educations National Schools Film Week, the LEGO/BAFTA Kids Vote will offer millions of school children the chance to vote for their favourite film of the year. Additionally, over 5,000 children will be able to watch the short listed films for free, in 16 different towns and cities up and down the country.

The short listed films are:

-           Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

-           Hulk

-           Jungle Book 2

-           Lilo and Stitch

-           The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

-           Men in Black II

-           Santa Clause 2

-              Treasure Planet

-           The Wild Thornberrys

-           X-Men 2

Speaking ahead of the launch of National Schools Film Week, the British Academys Chairman, Michael Attwell, said, This is a wonderful initiative and a great opportunity for children to have their say. 

Francesco Ciccolella, LEGO Company senior vice president said, Movies and LEGO toys have a great deal in common.  Through a commitment to quality, we inspire imagination and creativity.  We bring countless hours of fun and introduce children to new worlds and new ideas.  That is why we are delighted to continue our association with BAFTA and welcome the involvement of Film Education.

Children will be able to vote from 9^th October until 21^st November at www.kidsvote.net with the winner being announced at the star studded British Academy Childrens Film & Television Awards in association with the LEGO Company, on 30th November at the London Hilton Park Lane.

By voting, each child will also have the chance to win a weekend trip away for four with luxury hotel, tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor and spending money and products from the latest LEGO play materials ranges, such as Clickits, as worn by Freaky Fridays Linday Lohan, and BIONICLE.   BIONICLE prizes include a copy of the new movie Mask of Light and the Makuta figure from the popular story.  In addition, there will be a prize for the school with the most number of pupils voting. 

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Note to editors:

q       Each film had to be on general release between 1 August 2002 and 31 July 2003 and have a 12A or under certificate.   Box office takings and evidence that the filmmakers had a dedicated interest in serving the childrens and family audience were also taken into account during the selection process.

q       Screenings will take place 13-17 October  in England and Wales and 29-30 October in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Locations include Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Oxford, Sheffield and Stoke on Trent.