Disney’s Lion King Takes Top Spot For Kiwi Families

New Zealand has spoken; The Lion King comes in as the number one family film from the past 20 years in an online poll conducted by Wattie’s.

The results, which have been released just a week ahead of the twentieth annual Wattie's Cans Film Festival, saw the tale of Simba and the Pride Rock animal kingdom secure the title by a landslide with over 50% more votes than any other film in the poll.

The top three were a cartoon line up, with Finding Nemo - the blockbuster film following the underwater adventures of Marlin, Dory and Nemo; and the master of rhyme’s book-to-movie film, Dr Seuss - The Lorax, taking out second and third place.

"Many of these great family films have been shown at The Wattie's Cans Film Festival since it began in 1994 and we look forward to once again offering Kiwis the opportunity to see a blockbuster film, for just the price of a can of food" says Glenys Henry Festival Coordinator, Wattie's.

This year’s Wattie’s Cans Film Festival is on Wednesday 13th November and all cans donated will go towards The Salvation Army Food Banks where they will help Kiwis in need over the busy Christmas period. For every can donated, Wattie's will match it with one of their own to ensure Kiwis get the help they require this Christmas.

Shane Chisholm, Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory says “We distributed over 17,000 food parcels to needy families in December 2012 alone. The Wattie’s Cans Film Festival allows us to provide this help where it is needed - without the generous donations of New Zealanders and Wattie’s we would struggle to keep up with demand,”

“We are so proud of our association with all twenty Wattie’s Cans Film Festivals. The Festival has become an iconic community event and it’s great to see families and friends getting together for a fun night out,” says Mr Chisholm.

Tickets for this year’s Festival go on-sale this Wednesday 6th November at participating cinemas nationwide. Check out www.watties.co.nz to find your nearest participating cinema and to check films and showing times.

Event:                  Wattie’s Cans Film Festival
When:                  Wednesday 13th November
Where:                Reading Cinemas, Hoyts Cinemas, EVENT Cinemas and independent cinemas across New Zealand