Continuing in our extensive coverage of charities who are premiering Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith on May 12 in 10 cities across the United States to raise critical funds and awareness for issues affecting children and families, here's a closer look at the participating charity for the Los Angeles premiere: Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA).

Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) is a nonprofit organization working in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, advance civil and voting rights, and educate and empower youth. ANSA works in partnership with effective organizations on the frontlines of these issues, making a substantial difference through grant making, educational media campaigns, arts and cultural programs, distribution of material aid, and the development of innovative, collaborative projects. Since 1995 ANSA has raised over $8 million for South African non-profits, shipped more than 60 tons of medical supplies and books to impoverished communities, and educated millions of adults and youth about HIV/AIDS and voting in the U.S., South Africa, and throughout the African Continent.

Established in 1989 to support the struggle against apartheid, ANSA founders, board members, and core supporters include: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Samuel L. Jackson & LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Carlos & Deborah Santana, Gillian Anderson, Danny Glover, Alfre Woodard, Quincy Jones, Jackson Browne, Denzel & Pauletta Washington, Morgan Freeman, Mary Steenburgen & Ted Danson, CCH Pounder, Robert Guillaume, Alexandra Paul, Blair Underwood, Johnny Clegg, Angela Bassett, Hugh Masekela, Julia Ormond, Jurnee Smollett, Roma Maffia, Gloria Reuben, Vanessa Williams, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

"ANSA is hosting an exciting, fun and star-studded event, which is chaired by Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu) & LaTanya Richardson Jackson," Executive Director and Board President Sharon Gelman reveals. "The film will screen at a historic Los Angeles Art-Deco theatre, preceded by what promises to be the coolest VIP reception in our known galaxy and followed by a Star Wars theme party that's sure to be out of this world. The after-party will have the feel of an ultra-hip space disco with a purple color scheme, in honor of the unique color of Mace Windu's lightsaber. Guests will receive incredible gift bags with Star Wars merchandise and other special gifts, as they depart.

Because of the popularity of the Star Wars saga, and the excitement behind the release of Revenge of the Sith, ANSA felt that a charity event celebrating the film would be a perfect chance to raise awareness about their cause.

"Any charity would jump at the chance to be involved in a major Star Wars event!" Gelman says. "We at ANSA consider it a great honor to be the beneficiary of the Los Angeles premiere of this film, which will actually be an historic occasion, as the grand finale of a true cultural phenomenon. Being involved in the premiere of this film is especially meaningful for us because Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, have been longtime, major supporters of ANSA. LaTanya also is a member of ANSA's board."

In addition to the association between ANSA's chair, Samuel L. Jackson and his role as Mace Windu in the prequels, Gelman also notes that there are parallels between the films' message and the goal of ANSA.

"There is a thematic parallel between the Star Wars epic and ANSA's work," Gelman explains. "The intergalactic victory waged and won by a diverse band of righteous underdogs against an evil empire is not unlike the triumph of democracy over apartheid in South Africa, where everyday people of every color, religion and class joined together against a repressive and racist government and brought freedom to their nation. It could also be seen as a metaphor for the major challenge currently faced by South Africa, the rest of the African continent, and the entire world of overcoming the seemingly insurmountable challenge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic."

The funds raised from this Star Wars event will help support and expand ANSA's urgently-needed programs, allowing them to have an even greater impact. All proceeds from the premiere will benefit ANSA's work and its newest program, It Takes a Village (ITV), a groundbreaking collaboration that provides comprehensive services to children orphaned by AIDS in South Africa and strengthens hard-hit communities so they can effectively respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis in their midst.

"ITV provides ongoing assistance and support to children who have fallen through society's safety net: those living in child-run households, where the eldest child is raising his or her siblings; orphans taken in by neighborhood families or elderly relatives with scant resources; children living on the streets; and vulnerable children whose parents are dying," Gelman adds.

Fans who cannot attend this special charity event, but who still want to help ANSA can visit their official website here, or call toll free 1-877-4AFRICA to learn more about the organization, HIV/AIDS and South Africa, as well as find out how to get involved, make a donation or volunteer.

For a complete list of the other participating charities, click here.