Last week it was announced that seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders in New York City would be able to see the movie Selma for free, thanks to the generosity of Paramount Pictures and 27 African-American business leaders. Because of the popularity of the New York City endeavor, Paramount and the business leaders plan to team up with other cities to create funds for students in those locations to see the movie for free, too.
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“The response to our program in New York is better than we could have anticipated, and we are truly moved by the generosity and outpouring of support,” Charles Phillips, chief executive of New York software company Infor, said in a statement. “The story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s heroic efforts in Alabama during the civil rights movement is an important chapter in our country’s history—and one that still resonates deeply today. Due to the many generous donors, tens of thousands of students around the country will have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film.”
According to Biz Journals, Paramount said that because of the attention the New York City initiative received, theaters across the country received phone calls wondering if they were having free screenings as well. “This is a rare moment when a film has transformed into a cultural movement in recognition of a highly relevant message that touched many people,” Paramount said.
According to Phillips, a total of 90,000 students will be able to see the movie for free, which includes the original 27,000 New York City students. When the New York City announcement was made, 60,000 students signed up for the 27,000 tickets in 48 hours, and the group is attempting to accommodate everyone. But it doesn’t stop there. Apparently there will be another announcement later this week, with more numbers being added.
New cities and areas participating in the screenings include Boston; Nashville, Tenn.; New Jersey; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Sarasota, Fla.; and Westchester County, N.Y., with more being added throughout the week.
Stay Tuned to The Root for more information on additional theaters.
