Boston, MA September 6, 2007-

In 2004 obesity needed its own walk. In 2007 it will get its own film, the "Million Calorie March". Medford native Gary Marino, the former 397 pound man who walked from Florida to Boston in 2004 to raise awareness and funds to fight childhood obesity, is gearing up for a different endurance test - Hollywood. Marino will continue his obesity awareness crusade, which includes the 1200 mile walk, a Boston Marathon run, a book "Big & Tall Chronicles", and a weight loss contest, "The Million Pound Meltdown," with his most ambitious project to date - a full length documentary about obesity entitled "Million Calorie March."

"We wanted to put obesity out there in a very different and unique way - as a mainstream film complete with humor, motivation, inspiration and education," says Marino, who founded the non-profit Generation Excel, which fights obesity in children and adults.

The film premieres this month and follows Marino's 150 pound weight loss and 1,200 mile walk in 2004 - which reached over 70 million people thanks to media coverage from "FOX News," "Live with Regis & Kelly," USA Today, and People Magazine, among others. It also re-creates 10 scenes from his book Big & Tall Chronicles: MisAdventures of A Lifelong Food Addict which was released nationally through Barnes & Noble Booksellers in 2005.

The made in Boston flick features many area radio personalities, comedians and politicians, and includes an all-Boston soundtrack including Grammy Nominee Jon Butcher, who contributed scores, original songs and served as music supervisor. Also included in the film is music by the Swinging Steaks, Mark Morris & Catunes, Tim Giovanniello, Michael Hill and others.

"This story was not only born in Boston," says executive producer Todd G. Patkin, "but the film was produced in Boston by a great team including co-producer Jimmy Jay Frieden, editor Jeff Schmidt, writer Sandy Jaffe, and scores of other people involved in the local filmmaking scene. National Boston and Pulse Media did amazing finish work and editing on the film. We're very proud of the outcome," said Patkin.

"You will meet America in this film and hear their thoughts on this epidemic which now affects over 65% of Americans," Marino said.

WHAT : "Million Calorie March" Film Premiere
WHEN : Tuesday, September 18, 2007 6:30pm
WHERE: AMC Boston Common Theater, 175 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Tickets $10
(617) 423-3499 www.fandango.com
**JUST ADDED: a second screening, Friday, September 21, 2007 at 9:15 pm