The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Millennium Park Foundation are pleased to announce an encore to Millennium Park’s Summer Film Series: a FREE screening of George Lucas’ American epic space opera, “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope,” on Wednesday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. (one hour earlier than usual) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Millennium Park will screen the Director’s Cut of the blockbuster film starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.

Originally released in 1977, “Star Wars” has become a major movie franchise. In the film, Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

The Summer Film Series kicked off on Tuesday, June 18 with a tribute to the late film critic, Roger Ebert, and the screening of the award-winning musical “Chicago.” The outdoor series was scheduled to conclude on August 20 and with the screening of another award-winning musical, “Dreamgirls.” With “Star Wars” added on August 21, the series will provide Chicagoans and visitors a chance to see one more blockbuster hit this summer on the Park’s state-of-the-art screen.

The screen was acquired by Millennium Park Foundation to serve as a permanent enhancement to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. It measures 40 feet long and 22.5 feet high with an LED system and technology that is similar to that of a giant screen television. The images are bright, clear and visible from the front row to the Pavilion to the back of the Great Lawn. Both live and recorded presentations can be seen either day or night.

The Millennium Park Film Series is free admission. Seating at the Pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Lawn seating may reach capacity.)

Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. Convenient parking is located in the Millennium Park Garage (entrance on Columbus at Monroe or Randolph), Millennium Lakeside and Grant Park North.

For the latest Millennium Park news and events, visit millenniumpark.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, @Millennium_Park.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.