The National Association Of Theatre Owners has got behind efforts to help the families of victims of last Friday’s (20) massacre in a Colorado multiplex.

An excerpt from a letter to the exhibition community by NATO head John Fithian read: “As it has in the past, the generosity and compassion of our industry must focus on the most direct and efficient way of rendering […] aid.

“Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan have directed us to The Aurora Victim Relief Fund, which has been established in partnership with Governor Hickenlooper through Community First Foundation. Community First Foundation is a longstanding, trusted community foundation that will direct your gifts to the nonprofit organisations serving those affected. This fund will only be used to meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims, their families and the broad needs of those affected in the community.”

On Monday it emerged that Warner Bros had made an undisclosed donation in support of the victims’ families to Colorado’s Community First Foundation.

Twenty-four-year-old James Holmes appeared at an arraignment hearing in Colorado on Monday in connection with the shooting rampage at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in the Century 16 multiplex which left 12 filmgoers dead and 58 wounded.