How to Support Local Movie Theaters During Quarantine
Obviously, things are not great for a lot of people right now. Schools across the country have shut down, study abroad semesters have ended, and students have flown home. The U.S economy has grinded to a virtual halt. Anyone who is privileged enough to survive in quarantine has isolated themselves in their homes. I imagine that many SLU students are catching up on TV and movies between remote learning.
While Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and the plethora of other streaming services have impressive back catalogs of movies and TV, I am advocating for an alternative way to enjoy media while in quarantine. Many small movie theatres have turned to streaming their choice of films online to stay afloat while their doors are closed, which is a great option for anyone looking to support their local theatre.
The other day I rented and streamed Bacurau from the Coolidge Corner Theatre based in Brookline Boston. While watching Bacurau from my home was definitely not the same experience as watching it in the theatres would be, it was comforting to watch something new. It broke the monotony of logging into Netflix and seeing the same choice of movies and TV.
Another benefit to renting movies from local theatres is that many of them are working to replicate the educational opportunities that they provided before COVID-19 forced them to close their doors. The day I watched Bacurau, the Coolidge provided a link to a live streamed Q&A with Udo Kier, one of the lead actors in the movie, as well Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles, the two directors. The live streamed Q&A hosted by the film program at Brooklyn Academy of Music was an excellent opportunity to enhance the at-home streaming experience.
If you’re stuck in quarantine like so many of us, and want to liven up your streaming options while supporting a local business, you should consider renting a movie to stream from a local movie theatre. For just ten to twelve dollars, you can help support theater employees who are unable to work and see a great film from the comfort of your home! I found it to be an enjoyable way to break up my day and support my local economy! I would recommend for anyone interested to do the same.
Check out Coolidge Corner Theatre Virtual Screening Room:
Or check your local Theater’s website!