What was originally planned as a cast and crew screening for Richard Linklater's latest film has now become a benefit event with proceeds going to Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks, Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry and the Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

On Sunday, September 18th, Bernie will play at the Paramount Theater with star Jack Black in attendance. Linklater, who has a part-time home in Bastrop, filmed most of Bernie there. The film tells the story of a funeral home director (Black) and his friendship with a rich window (played by Shirley MacLaine) in his small Texas town. The film also co-stars Matthew McConaughey.

Sunday's screening is presented by The Austin Film Society, The Paramount Theatre and Matthew McConaughey. Linklater, speaking about this screening says: "Since the film has been finished for a few months and isn't coming out until next year, we had scheduled a cast and crew screening for the 18th of September. After the catastrophic fires of the last week, we quickly jumped on the idea of opening it up to the public as an opportunity for Austinites and members of our artistic community to help our neighbors in Bastrop that have been so devastated. It seems like an appropriate movie for the cause—not only was it filmed largely in the Bastrop area, but it's a PG-13 comedy about small town Texas life. It's the least we can do for this wonderful community that opened its doors to us during production. It feels great that because of the generosity of the Paramount Theater, 100% of all ticket sales and donations with pass through to these important local non-profits that are doing so much to restore and maintain their community."

Tickets are on sale now through The Paramount Theater's website. Orchestra and mezzanine seats are $250, general admission balcony seats are $100. Sponsorships are also available, a $2,500 donations comes with 6 reserved seats and a reception with the cast and crew before the show. Sponsorship inquires can be made directly to Austin Film Society. There are also other donation opportunities available to those unable to attend the screening (instead enabling an affected Bastrop resident to go in their place) through the Paramount website.