Ben Affleck new film “Air” premiered at the L.A. Regency Village Theatre on Monday night, following its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film & FTV Festival earlier in March. The film tells the story of the game-changing partnership between Michael Jordan and Nike’s basketball division, which revolutionized sports and culture with the Air Jordan brand. The premiere was a star-studded event with the principal cast present, including Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, Viola Davis, and Matthew Maher. The red carpet was covered in sections by a sleek basketball court, complete with a hoop, bleachers with Nike-clad fans, and a pair of Mercedes-Benz rides.
During his introductory remarks, Affleck became emotional while thanking the principal cast, including his longtime best friend, Matt Damon, who co-produced the film with him under their new company, Artists Equity. He praised the cast’s brilliant and extraordinary performances, especially Davis, who played Michael Jordan’s mother at Jordan’s insistence. Affleck dedicated the film to Jordan, stating that Jordan was in every cell of the movie and above it and inhabiting it.
The night was not without its somber moments as Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke acknowledged the recent death of beloved distribution executive Erik Lomis, who played a significant role in the success of the company’s theatrical releases. Salke described Lomis as a true champion in the movie business and a great loss to the industry at large. She further stated that Air is a film about taking chances, believing in something bigger than oneself, and putting it on the line to chase greatness, which was most befitting of Erik’s continued legacy.
Affleck closed his introductory remarks by thanking his mother and wife, Jennifer Lopez, for their support and love, stating that none of it would be possible without them. Air will mark Amazon’s first global theatrical release and is set to hit theaters on April 5.
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