MPA to Screen 'The Croods,' 'Oblivion' to Celebrate World IP Day in Asia

The Motion Picture Association is rolling out some high-profile Hollywood titles –- The Croods, Oblivion, and Admission – at events across Asia, in an effort to promote respect for intellectual property in a region often rampant with Internet piracy.

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Working with U.S. Embassies, consulates and local film communities, the MPA plans to stage screenings and outreach events in Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam – all in promotion of World IP Day.

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World IP Day was established in 2001 by the World Intellectual Property Organization and is celebrated on April 26.

“Across the Asia Pacific we are pleased once again to work with U.S. Embassies and partner with local screen communities in a range of screening events that remind us of the extraordinary imagination and talent that go into making a film – the most influential medium for a hundred years,” said Mike Ellis, president and managing director of the MPA in Asia Pacific. “These events allow us to reflect on the contribution films make to our society – culturally, economically and socially – and prompt us to work closely together to ensure that filmmakers are supported by an environment where their work is respected and protected.”

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In addition to the Hollywood fare, the MPA also will mount showings of local hits from the various territories, such as The Woman in the Septic Tank from the Philippines and winning short films from Tropfest, Australia’s landmark international short film festival.

“I am honored that our film will once again be presented on screen during the World IP Day this year,” said Joji Alonso, producer of The Woman in the Septic Tank. “I hope many young people from the Philippines have the opportunity to follow their hearts in a career in the screen industry. It is important that we draw attention to the need to make the right choices as digital citizens online, supporting the legitimate options for films that people have worked so hard to create.”