NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimension Films will release, "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," written, directed by and starring Kevin Smith, on August 10, 2001, it was announced today by Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of Dimension. The film will open nationwide and will be the largest release for any Kevin Smith film to date.

"We truly enjoy our ongoing relationship with Kevin Smith," said Bob Weinstein, "We have very high hopes for this project and can't wait to get started again with Kevin and his team."

"Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," the final installment of the New Jersey chronicles, will be produced by Smith's partner Scott Mosier. The story line is being kept under wraps.

Jason Mewes ("Clerks," "Mall Rats," "Chasing Amy"), Jason Lee ("Chasing Amy," "Dogma"), Brian O'Halloran ("Clerks") and Jeff Anderson ("Clerks"), all View Askew alums, are set to appear in the film, along with Smith. Ben Affleck ("Chasing Amy," "Dogma") and Matt Damon ("Dogma") are in negotiations to appear in the film, which will begin production in January in Los Angeles.

Jon Gordon, executive vice-president of production, will oversee the project for the film company.

Smith and Mosier were both involved in the production of the other installments of the New Jersey chronicles, Miramax's "Clerks" and "Chasing Amy" and Gramercy Pictures, "Mall Rats." They also served as co-executive producers on "Good Will Hunting."