We previously reported about Girl Rising, a film showcasing the importance of girls education across the world. The film focuses on 9 girls from 9 different countries, and their stories are written by an acclaimed author from their country and narrated by a celebrity. 

Girl Rising also utilized an unique model for distribution. They opened in New York and Los Angeles markets but also used a demand based platform, Gathr, to organize screenings nationwide. And it paid off. 

Demand for the film has been so great that Regal Cinemas took notice and will be opening Girl Rising in over 150 theaters across the country for a weeklong engagement starting April 19th.

Tom Yellin, executive producer of Girl Rising commented on the Regal Cinemas pick up.

With Girl Rising, we took a risk on a new model of on-demand theatrical distribution, and the leap of faith paid dividends. We’ve established a new model for impact filmmaking, to build a movement – and an audience – around a film. Regal joining this effort means an opportunity for people everywhere to see this beautiful and important film.

Director Richard E. Robbins also released a statement.

We have been overwhelmed by the incredible response to Girl Rising. Around the country, thousands of people have brought Girl Rising to their local theatres with on demand screenings. Now, Regal Cinemas is making this film – and the stories of these nine incredible girls – available to anyone who wants to see it. The more people who witness the impact of education on girls’ lives, the closer we get to driving change and getting girls into school.

A portion of ticket sales will go to 10×10 Fund for Girls Education, which Girl Rising is a centerpiece of. It’ll be interesting to see if the precedent that Girl Rising has set will effect distribution of other films. And it truly proves that audiences are hungry for women and girls’ stories.