Election Section

NEW YORK — The New York premiere of “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones,” will raise money for the city’s underprivileged kids and children of the victims of Sept. 11, festival organizers said Wednesday. 

“As a father and filmmaker, it’s my pleasure to offer the film in support of the children of New York City,” said “Star Wars” creator George Lucas. 

The premiere, scheduled for May 12 during the Tribeca Film Festival, will benefit The Children’s Aid Society, which helps the city’s disadvantaged children and has provided millions of dollars in aid to those affected by the terrorist attacks. 

Two private screenings of the latest “Star Wars” prequel will take place that morning for children and their families; the premiere that afternoon will be the fund-raiser to benefit The Children’s Aid Society. Natalie Portman, one of the movie’s co-stars, is expected to attend, as well as Frances McDormand, Karen Allen, Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon. 

Tickets are $500 for the pre-party and screening and $1,000 for the pre-party, screening and VIP seating. 

Premieres of the film will take place in 11 North American cities on May 12, with seats in each theater set aside for underprivileged children. 

“Attack of the Clones,” the second chapter of Lucas’ six-part “Star Wars” saga, also stars Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Samuel L. Jackson. It opens nationwide on May 16. 

The inaugural Tribeca Film Festival (May 8-12) aims to help reinvigorate the Tribeca section of lower Manhattan, one of the hardest hit on Sept. 11. Robert De Niro, co-founder of the festival, based his Tribeca Productions in the neighborhood in 1988. 

On the Net: 

Tribeca Film Festival: http://www.tribecafilmfestival.org/ 

Children’s Aid Society: http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/ 

“Star Wars” Web site: http://www.starwars.com/episode-ii/