Lincoln And Magic Johnson Challenge Aspiring Filmmakers To 'Define Lincoln Luxury'

Lincoln And Magic Johnson Challenge Aspiring Filmmakers To 'Define Lincoln Luxury'

DEARBORN, Mich., May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company's Lincoln luxury brand and NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson are calling for the best and brightest aspiring filmmakers to "Define Lincoln Luxury" -- and win a place in the driver's seat of the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060510/NYW071 )

Lincoln is teaming with Film Life to present the American Black Film Festival for the seventh consecutive year. The annual event attracts a robust group of film aficionados for a five-day retreat of premieres, networking, panel discussions, hands-on workshops and competitive film showcases. Dedicated to strengthening the independent black filmmaking community, the American Black Film Festival will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this year.

Lincoln's sponsorship of this year's event introduces the "Define Lincoln Luxury" contest, with a Grand Prize of a 2-year lease on a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr or $10,000 in cash.

"We are proud of our long history with the American Black Film Festival and Film Life which reinforces our support of the independent filmmaking community as it reaches higher to bring its unique voice to a wider audience, says Tom Grill, Lincoln Brand Manager. "ABFF provides an outstanding platform to showcase the many innovative and original perspectives of the Black experience."

Aspiring filmmakers who enter the "Define Lincoln Luxury" contest must create an original commercial articulating their own interpretation of Lincoln luxury. The commercial should be 30 to 60 seconds in length and must feature at least one shot of a Lincoln vehicle. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, appropriateness of commercial to theme and overall appeal. Official rules, entry forms, and submission guidelines are available on http://www.lincolnlounge.com/ , Lincoln's all-new urban lifestyle website.

A Grand Prize winner will be selected on July 5, 2006, by a panel of experts from the advertising and film communities. In addition to a two-year lease on the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr or $10,000 in cash, the Grand Prize winner also will receive a 5-day, 4-night trip for two to South Beach, Florida on July 20 - July 24, where the winning commercial will debut at the ABFF Filmmaker Award Brunch.

Lincoln and Magic Johnson

Lincoln and basketball legend and businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson have enjoyed a meaningful and successful partnership since 2003. Magic and Lincoln have collaborated on television commercials, charity events (Midsummer Night's Magic) and other joint appearances (NBA All-Star Game, dealer events); most recently at the world debut of the brand new 2007 Lincoln Navigator and Navigator L at the Chicago Auto Show.

About ABFF

The American Black Film Festival is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the independent black filmmaking community. Founded in 1997, it is recognized today as the premier Black film festival and is dedicated to linking key Hollywood decision makers and accomplished artists with emerging filmmakers in an effort to bring their work -- and a more positive depiction on film of African Americans -- to a broader audience.

Go to http://media.ford.com/ for news releases and high-resolution photographs.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060510/NYW071
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Lincoln Mecury

CONTACT: Shelley O'Connor for Lincoln Mecury, +1-212-219-7187,
soconnor@uniworldgroup.com; or Lydia Cisaruk of Lincoln Mecury,
+1-313-337-8299, lcisaruk@ford.com

Web site: http://www.lincolnlounge.com/
http://media.ford.com/

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