Major Motion Picture 'FLYBOYS' to Premiere at AirVenture

The movie FLYBOYS, set for theatrical release across the nation on September 29, 2006, will debut in unique fashion with a special screening at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," on the evening of Wednesday, July 26. The film's producers are calling the event the "aviation-world premiere" of the movie.

"Hollywood recognizes that Oshkosh is the place to be for celebrating aviation," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president. "This film's premiere reflects on the importance of AirVenture Oshkosh to the aviation community and to people everywhere who are passionate about flight."

Approximately 500 EAA volunteers and members, winners of contests at EAA Member Village on the event grounds, will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a major motion picture premiere.

Additionally, FLYBOYS director and longtime EAA member Tony Bill will join members of the cast in attending the premiere. Bill's movie credits include producing and/or directing the films The Sting, My Bodyguard, and several others.

"Most major motion picture premieres take place in New York or LA, but we chose to bring the film to the gathered aviation community in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It may be in America's heartland, but for one week every July, Oshkosh is the world's heart and soul of aviation. There is no better place to debut a film with such a pervasive aviation theme," Bill said.
When FLYBOYS Producer Dean Devlin, renowned for producing Independence Day and The Patriot, approached Bill for the directing job, he attached a note to the script alluding to Bill's notoriety as an avid aviation enthusiast and skilled pilot: "THIS IS THE MOVIE YOU WERE BORN TO DIRECT."

Inspired by the true story of the legendary Lafayette Escadrille, the movie tells the story of a handful of young Americans who volunteered to join the French forces in World War I before the U.S. entered the war. They trained to become pilots and formed a unique squadron flying combat missions against the Germans.

"The lucky EAA members who get to attend this premiere will have a rare opportunity to experience some of the history from aviation's early days before viewing an on-screen portrayal evoking that era," Poberezny said. "Biplanes and other aircraft from aviation's dawn will be on display at our EAA AirVenture museum and in the vintage aircraft area on the AirVenture grounds."