Starbucks to promote eco-themed film

Seattle -- Starbucks, seeking to advance its eco-conscious image, agreed to promote the National Geographic Films' "Arctic Tale" in its U.S. and Canadian coffee shops.

Plans call for Starbucks, based in Seattle, to feature signage in more than 6,800 North American stores July 31-Aug. 27, Variety reported Thursday. The documentary is scheduled for a limited rollout July 25 and a wide release Aug. 17.

"Arctic Tale" follows the lives of a walrus and a polar bear in the Arctic wilderness that's being lost because of global warming. Queen Latifah narrates the documentary.

"Starbucks has had a long and significant commitment to communities and the environment," Ken Lombard, Starbucks Entertainment president, said. "(By) highlighting 'Arctic Tale' to our customers, we can spark discussion on this issue and impact change, all from right inside our stores."

Starbucks, which promoted "Akeela and the Bee" with so-so success, will get a percentage of the profits.

The chain has "the ability to reach millions of people in a single morning, ensuring that the message behind 'Arctic Tale' will resonate well beyond the theater," said John Lesher, president of Paramount Vantage, which is distributing the film through its Classics division.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.