DreamWorks Pictures' and Columbia Pictures' 'Almost Famous' Has World Premiere At the 25th Toronto International Film Festival TORONTO, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- It was a night for the "Almost Famous" at the 25th Toronto International Film Festival when the latest film from writer/director/producer Cameron Crowe enjoyed its world premiere at the festival. The Gala screening of "Almost Famous" was held tonight, Friday, September 8, at 9:30 p.m. at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall and was immediately followed by a reception attended by the film's stars and filmmakers, as well as celebrities and industry VIPs. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990714/LAW056 ) Joining Cameron Crowe at the event were his wife and the film's composer Nancy Wilson, as well as cast members Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, accompanied by her husband Joel Coen, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jimmy Fallon. Also on hand to greet the audience were producer Ian Bryce and technical consultant Peter Frampton. The many special guests in attendance applauding the film included Joan Allen, Carrie Ann Moss, Jeff Bridges, Mary Louise Parker, Maria Bello, Chris Robinson of The Black Crows, and Jack Black, among others. "Almost Famous" opens in New York and Los Angeles on September 13 and in selected cities on September 15. It will expand on September 22 and go nationwide on September 29. The film will be distributed internationally by Columbia Pictures. Double Academy Award(R) nominee Cameron Crowe ("Jerry Maguire") wrote and directed "Almost Famous." The semi-autobiographical story chronicles the funny and often poignant coming of age of William, a 15-year-old music fan and budding rock journalist, who goes on the road with an up-and-coming band, only to discover there's a lot more to write home about than just the music. Crowe also produced the film with Academy Award nominee Ian Bryce ("Saving Private Ryan"), with Lisa Stewart serving as co-producer. "Almost Famous" stars Billy Crudup, Academy Award(R) winner Frances McDormand ("Fargo"), Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, newcomer Patrick Fugit, Oscar(R) winner Anna Paquin ("The Piano"), Fairuza Balk, Noah Taylor and Philip Seymour Hoffman. DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen -- to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network, syndicated and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; and consumer products. SOURCE DreamWorks SKG CONTACT: DreamWorks Hospitality in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, 416-964-0411 Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990714/LAW056 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467/