After an impassioned plea from the film's director and lead subject, the Motion Picture Association of America's Ratings Review Board today reversed an earlier decision and awarded a PG-13 rating to the film THE HIP HOP PROJECT. The film had been previously rated "R" for language. The eight member panel voted six to two to change the rating.

"This motion picture is a call to end the destructive forces of violence, misogyny, and criminality that dominate the music our children are listening to," said Director Matt Ruskin. "This is the first film to show an alternative that is positive, growth-oriented, and honest in a way that is accessible to young people. The overwhelming majority of parents, educators, and medical professionals who have seen this film have told us that they are desperate to provide their children with this model for change."

The film, which chronicles the compelling story of Kazi, a formerly homeless teenager who inspires a group of New York City teens to transform their life stories into powerful works of art, using hip hop as a force for hope, healing and the realization of dreams, is scheduled to be distributed by THINKFilm in 15 cities on May 11th.

"We decided to appeal the "R" rating to allow teenagers access to see this film because they are the ones who need it most," said Chris "Kazi" Rolle, founder of the Hip Hop Project. "After years of working with teens, I know for a fact that you have to reach them when they are young. Just as I didn't have a parent to take me to the movies when I was a teenager, many of the young people who would benefit most from this film would have been denied access if the R rating stood."

For more information, please visit www.hiphopproject.com.

Contact:
Alex Klenert, THINKFilm, 212-444-7900
Teri Kane, Rogers & Cowan, 212-445-8415
Jamie Shor, Venture Communications, 202-628-7772