'Hidden Figures' to Host Free Screenings This Weekend for Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, Best Picture nominee "Hidden Figures" will get a series of free screenings this weekend in several major markets nationwide.
The screenings, a joint venture from studio Fox and theater chain AMC, will take place in 14 cities on Saturday, February 18, in an effort both to recognize February's celebration of Black History month, as well as make the film available to larger groups of people. In addition to the free screenings, Fox and AMC are also inviting school and community groups and non-profit organizations to apply to host their own screenings of the film, which will also be free.
"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 senior vice president of social impact, in a statement. "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 — and we wanted to support and extend that movement."
"Hidden Figures" stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer (nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this month's Oscars), and Janelle Monáe as three black female NASA mathematicians who worked tirelessly behind the scenes -- and almost entirely unrecognized -- to help launch the United States space program in the 1960s. The film has already become the highest-grossing flick among this year's class of Best Picture nominees, raking in $144 million and counting at the domestic box office.
For this weekend's screening locations and to reserve tickets, visit AMC's website. To request a screening in your community, visit Fox's website.
[via: Variety]