25 January 2005

Johannesburg residents can get a sneak preview of the drama "Ladder 49", about the lives of a group of Baltimore fire fighters - and raise money for relief efforts following the devastating Asian tsunami.

And it is no coincidence that the premiere is being hosted by Johannesburg's Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS).

As EMS spokesperson Malcolm Midgley points out, in times of disaster it is the emergency services in the region that are the first to respond.

"Due to the brotherhood, and now recently also sisterhood, of fire-fighters in the world, we as the City of Johannesburg are going to use this occasion to raise funds for the tsunami relief effort", Midgley said, adding: "The difference is that in these times of disaster the first to respond - as with 9/11 - was the EMS of each and every country affected by this event."

The premiere will take place at Ster Kinekor, Cresta on Thursday 3 February at 6pm. Cheese and wine will be served.

"Our efforts to raise money will be to either build or rebuild a fire station in an African country hit by the tsunami", Midgley says.

Ladder 49, starring John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix, depicts the life and work of fire fighters and shows spectacular scenes of rescue attempts and the bravery of those who put their lives on the line. The fire scenes capture the real dangers and unpredictability of a fire.

The film follows Baltimore fire fighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) as he grows from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran, trying to balance his risky, demanding job against the needs of his family.

He comes to rely on the support of his mentor, fire chief Mike Kennedy (Travolta), and his second family - the strong bonds formed between the men of the firehouse.

When Jack is trapped, his life and the things he holds dear - family, dignity, courage - come into focus while his fellow fire-fighters of Ladder 49 do everything possible to rescue him.

Tickets are R60 per person or R100 per couple, and R100 for corporate sponsors. "We are looking to the corporate world to help raise the money", Midgley said.

For more information about ticket sales, contact Malcolm Midgley on 082 780 0213.

Source: City of Johannesburg

	Joaquin Phoenix in Ladder 49

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