I'm Kathleen Kennedy.
President of Lucasfilm,
and producer of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
In the late '70s,
following the massive global success of Star Wars: A New Hope,
fans began to embrace Star Wars stories of struggle
and inspiration on a more personal level.
Over the course of the last three decades,
fans have volunteered their time
with countless charitable organizations and raised millions of dollars
for people in need around the world.
Action.
KENNEDY: As we launched production on Star Wars". The Force Awakens,
we also launched a brand new charitable initiative
called Star Wars: Force for Change.
J.J. ABRAMS: On the first day of principal photography,
we started with an auction
that allowed people to win a chance to be in the film.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUDING)
it was an amazing thing to see how many people participated in a way
that made them feel like they were doing
more than just being fans of the movie,
that they were actually doing the work of a Jedi.
MAN: And three, two, one, action.
- Hello. What a pleasure. - It's very nice to meet you.
ABRAMS: The funds that were raised
went to help the UNICEF Innovation Labs.
And it was incredibly thrilling to see footage
of these projects throughout the world
that were existing in part because of fans of Star Wars.
I'd like to say thank you to Star Wars: Force for Change.
We really want to thank you for your kind support.
MAN: Your support has enabled
thousands of young people across the region
to become forces for good in their own community.
ABRAMS: As the production of the movie progressed,
at every turn, wherever we could,
we found ways to activate fans and get them to be part of this process.
In the auction for tickets to the premiere,
each of the cast members got to choose
a charity that was important to them.
It was an amazing thing to see the wide range of these charities.
I'm Daisy Ridley and I'm supporting Phab.
Hi. I'm Oscar Isaac.
I am supporting the Union of Concerned Scientists.
I'm John Boyega. I will be supporting Damilola Taylor Trust.
Join me and the rest of the cast in supporting some remarkable causes.
- Who's your favorite character? - I have to go with Padmé.
Who's your favorite character?
- Hi, Harrison. - Hi.
MARK HAMILL: I couldn't be more proud
of everyone in the Star Wars family.
Your support has been absolutely fantastic.
ABRAMS: There are so many experiences
during the course of the production that stand out.
Malala Yousafzai came and spoke to the entire cast and crew.
We got to see children wearing UNICEF Kid Power Bands
at Celebration.
And watch other kids get inspired by them
to help children across the world.
Over these last three years, it's been inspiring to see
how Force for Change has impacted and improved lives
of people across the world.
The best thing about Force for Change is that
it doesn't matter whether you're a member of the cast,
whether you're a member of the crew,
whether you're a fan,
everyone can be a Force for Change.
ALL: Kid Power!
- (ALL CHEERING) - Thank you.