WHAT: Dismissed from NASA's space program, former astronaut-in- training Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) pursues his lifelong dream by building his own rocket, in the Polish Brothers' family film "The Astronaut Farmer." On the eve of his launch, Farmer must battle foreclosure on his ranch and a small-town community of disbelievers, while simultaneously drawing heavy scrutiny and surveillance from the FBI, CIA, FAA and the U.S. military, all of which see him as a potential risk to civilian safety and will take the necessary steps to shut down his operation. But he remains determined to reach his goal and instill in his children the courage to pursue their own dreams, no matter the odds.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Spring Creek Pictures Production, a Polish Brothers Construction Production: "The Astronaut Farmer," starring Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton ("Slingblade"), Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen ("Sideways"), Academy Award nominee Bruce Dern ("Coming Home") and Independent Spirit Award nominee Tim Blake Nelson ("Eye of God").

Directed by Michael Polish and written by Mark Polish & Michael Polish ("Twin Falls Idaho"), "The Astronaut Farmer" is produced by Mark Polish, Paula Weinstein ("Blood Diamond"), Len Amato (executive producer, "Blood Diamond") and Michael Polish, with J. Geyer Kosinski ("Beyond Borders") serving as executive producer. Joining the creative production team are director of photography M. David Mullen ("Shadowboxer"), production designer Clark Hunter ("Old School") and editor James Haygood ("Panic Room"). Robert Benjamin is the co-producer. Music is by Stuart Matthewman ("Twin Falls Idaho").

WHO: From the film: Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Bruce Dern, Max Theriot, Sal Lopez and Kiersten Warren, director/ writer/producer Michael Polish and writer/producer Mark Polish. Celebrity guests Corbin Bernsen, Jay Chandrasekhar, Nathan Corbett, Michael Clarke Duncan, Arlen Escarpeta, Gregory Itzin, Michael Madsen, Stephen Spacek, DB Woodside and special guest astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Leroy Chiao and Rick Searfoss.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 20, 2007
              Crew Arrivals: 5:00PM
              Celebrity Arrivals: 6:00PM
              Screening: 7:00PM

WHERE: Cinerama Dome
               6360 W. Sunset Blvd.
               Hollywood

Contacts

Warner Bros. Pictures
Broadcast: Kim Lerner, 818-954-6718
Print: Gina Soliz, 818-954-6705
Photo: Michael Taylor, 818-954-6585
Online: Orna Zadeh, 818-954-6290