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Mayor Declares 'Crash' Day in Los Angeles

Expect auto accidents and racial harmony to ensue

Zap2It.com

March 31, 2006

Driving in Los Angeles -- always a dicey proposition -- will get a little bit more melodramatic on Tuesday (April 4) when the City of Angels officially celebrates "Crash"/FilmL.A. Day.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles city council and Police Chief William Bratton will be on hand to recognize "Crash," the recent surprise Oscar winner as the year's best picture. "Crash" director Paul Haggis is also expected to attend the City Hall ceremony along with an unnamed assortment of cast and crew members from the acclaimed drama.

"Our city is proud of Lionsgate and the cast and crew of 'Crash' for this powerful film, which was shot almost entirely on the streets of Los Angeles," says Mayor Villaraigosa. "In the most diverse city in the world, we live and work side by side with people from different backgrounds, but we seldom talk about -- and learn -- from our differences. Art is meant to provoke. 'Crash' certainly has and will continue to do so for years to come."

"Crash" was filmed almost entirely in Los Angeles with an ensemble cast including Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Oscar nominee Matt Dillon. The movie earned a selection for critical raves for its message of racial understanding and for its unique combination of carjackings, hugging and musical montages.

Los Angeles' "Crash" celebration just happens to coincide with the DVD release of the new Director's Cut of the film. Where were the mayor and police chief the first time "Crash" was released on DVD last fall? It's amazing the difference an Oscar win for editing can make.