REEL LIFE / FILM & VIDEO...

“Philadelphia,” the first movie by a Hollywood studio to confront AIDS and homophobia, will have its world premiere this month in Ventura.

The Benefit Premiere will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. l9 at the Ventura Century 8 Theater.

Through the efforts of actress Mary Steenburgen, a Ventura County resident, and Ron Halleran, a local AIDS fund-raising organizer, TriStar Pictures has agreed to premiere the film as a benefit for AIDS Care, the Ventura County nonprofit organization that provides services to the HIV infected and their families.

Besides providing an early print (the film opens nationally in January), TriStar is sponsoring the theater rental and the printing costs for invitations to the event.

The film stars Tom Hanks as a gay man and a superstar attorney fired by his prestigious law firm when it is discovered that he has AIDS. He hires Denzel Washington, a personal injury lawyer, to sue his former firm--headed by Jason Robards and Steenburgen--for discrimination and damages.

The project was conceived by the film’s Oscar-winning director, Jonathan Demme (“Silence of the Lambs”), who felt it was time to tackle the subject.

“TriStar has been great,” said Halleran, who organized the event. “I pitched them the idea back in August and they agreed that the film should be used to raise funds to fight AIDS.”

Health officials estimate that more than 3,000 people in Ventura County have acquired immune deficiency syndrome or carry HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

AIDS Care Inc., whose client list is almost doubling every year, provides counseling, support and other services. But officials say more money is needed to keep the program alive.

They expect their annual budget to nearly double to more than $300,000 from other fund-raising activities this coming fiscal year.

Tickets for the premiere are $25 and can be reserved in advance by calling the AIDS Care office at 643-0446. Reservations are recommended and tickets at the door are strictly on a first-come basis.

Both Hanks and Steenburgen will be at the premiere.

All proceeds from the event will be used to provide AIDS education and services in Ventura County.

Pancho Doll compiles Reel Life each week for Ventura County Life. If you have information on local film, television or video events or personalities write to him at 5200 Valentine Road, Suite 140, Ventura, 93003 or send faxes to 658-5576.