Haven’t had a chance to see “Hidden Figures”? Want to host a screening of “13th” for your school? You’re in luck: Both films have been granted screening access.
According to Deadline, 21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres will provide gratis screenings of “Hidden Figures” February 18 in 14 U.S. cities. Further, “school and community groups and non-profit organizations can apply for additional special screenings to be held in their towns” until February 28. Selectees will be announced in March.
“Hidden Figures” is based on a true story and centers on the African American women who played a key role in the space race. Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”), Octavia Spencer (“The Help”), and Janelle Monáe (“Moonlight”) star as NASA employees.
“As we celebrate Black History Month and look ahead to Women’s History Month in March, this story of empowerment and perseverance is more relevant than ever,” said Liba Rubenstein, 21st Century Fox’s SVP of Social Impact. “We at 21CF were inspired by the grassroots movement to bring this film to audiences that wouldn’t otherwise be able to see it — audiences that might include future innovators and barrier-breakers.”
Elizabeth Frank, EVP and Chief Content & Programming Officer of AMC, commented, “The storytelling and message that ‘Hidden Figures’ carries is endearing and inspiring.” “We have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact it is having on audiences,” she added.
“Hidden Figures” will screen in cities like Los Angeles, The Bronx, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Visit AMC’s website to reserve tickets or to find out more.
“13th,” Ava DuVernay’s documentary about the U.S. criminal justice system’s exploitation of black Americans since the abolition of slavery, has been granted public screening access by Netflix. Access has been given to “classrooms, community groups, book clubs, and other educational settings,” Variety writes.
“It’s been a topic that I’ve always thought about, even when I was a little girl,” DuVernay told Women and Hollywood. She explained, “Most folks in this country who don’t live in black or brown communities regard the cops [with] a sense of safety. Imagine growing up and feeling just the opposite when you see an officer. That’s a real, completely different way to move through the world.”
The doc, which is currently up for the Best Feature Documentary Oscar, has seen “a groundswell of interest” from all types of educational institutions.
Announcing the public screening access, Netflix’s VP of original documentary programming, Lisa Nishimura, discussed the impact the DuVernay’s film has had across the country. “We have been overwhelmed and inspired by the response to ‘13th’ from people of all ages,” she said.
“Communities across the country are feeling the full weight of this particularly divisive moment in time,” she continued. “We are especially inspired by the next generation, who are able to acknowledge the complex system they have inherited while simultaneously vowing to change it.”
Advocacy organizations like the ACLU, Center for Media Justice, cut50, and Google.org have hosted dozens of community screenings across the country since “13th’s” debut on Netflix.
“13th” was the first documentary ever to open the New York Film Festival.
DuVernay’s film credits include “Middle of Nowhere,” “Selma,” and “I Will Follow.” She helmed Disney’s upcoming adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time,” making her the first black woman to direct a $100 million-plus movie. DuVernay created the OWN series “Queen Sugar.”
“Hidden Figures,” co-written by Allison Schroeder, has made more than $131 million in the U.S. It is up for three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer.
As we’ve previously reported, the film has inspired a scholarship contest for women in STEM. Additionally, 20th Century Fox and Black Girls CODE partnered for FutureKatherineJohnsons.com, a website that will be built by “the next generation of young women poised to make a difference in our world.”
