Press Release: 'Fahrenheit 9/11'' Becomes America's #1 Movie

''Fahrenheit 9/11'' Becomes America's #1 Movie, Rewriting Record Book in First Weekend in National Release: "SANTA MONICA, Calif. & VANCOUVER, British Columbia & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2004--
Critically-Acclaimed Film Achieves $21.8 Million Opening Weekend Gross on 868 Screens; Theaters Sold Out Across the Country; Fahrenheit Fever Plays in Peoria

'Fahrenheit 9/11' continued to build momentum as a national cultural phenomenon, setting numerous box office records on its way to a $21.8 million opening weekend on just 868 screens, becoming the #1 movie in the country, it was announced by Tom Ortenberg, President of Lions Gate Films Releasing, and Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment.

"In an age of market tested blockbusters and short term distribution strategies, it is refreshing to see a true passion project receive this kind of overwhelming and historic response," stated Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment. "From the results we are now seeing, it looks like this will be the summer of Michael Moore, and for filmmakers everywhere, Fahrenheit 9/11 has proven that strong content will win out when challenged by politics. As a distributor, it is gratifying to be part of a loyal and united team of industry leaders, who have worked tirelessly in support of this picture. The success we have seen this weekend is a credit to Michael Moore's vision and voice and we believe is just the beginning as we continue to add theaters in the weeks to come."

Among the numerous records already set by Fahrenheit 9/11 are the following:

-- Highest opening weekend ever for a documentary of any type (including IMAX and concert films)

-- Highest opening ever for a wide release under 1000 screens (beating previous record holder "Rocky III" in 1982)

-- Highest opening ever for a Palme d'Or winner (topping previous record holder "Pulp Fiction" in 1994)

-- Opening weekend numbers have already outgrossed the total domestic box office for Academy Award(R) winner "Bowling for Columbine," Michael Moore's previous release

-- Achieved 3rd highest per screen average opening for the year to date among wide releases (behind only "Passion of the Christ" & "Shrek 2")

The film's distributors will expand the movie for Fourth of July weekend and again on Friday, July 9. Specifics of the expansions will be announced during the week.