Missing the movies? This is the next best thing.
A handful of Arkansas organizations are joining forces “to help audiences find community through film” every Sunday. Viewers can take part in a documentary screening followed by a live Q&A each week April 19-May 31.
The Shelter-In-Place Virtual Film Series is the brainchild of various arts and culture organizations across the state, including Arkansas Cinema Society, Arkansas Peace & Justice Memorial Movement, Arkansas Minority Film & Arts Association, Arkansas PBS, Washitaw Foothills Youth Media Arts & Literacy Collective and Just Communities of Arkansas.
“Movies are for everyone and every time,” Kathryn Tucker, filmmaker, founder and executive director of Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS). “ACS is grateful to be in the unique position to continue to provide programming to Arkansans and our audience. During difficult times like these, we can turn to movies to relate, escape and connect with one another.”
Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement kicks off the series this weekend with a screening of “True Conviction,” the true story of three exonerated men who spent a combined 60 years in prison before forming a detective agency to free other innocent men. Christopher Scott and Steven Phillips, the men on whom the documentary is based, will join the screening as panelists.
“Our goal with the film series is to not only bring people together by staying apart, it’s to ensure we all continue to move forward with equity and inclusion at the forefront of our minds,” said Donald Wood, executive director of Just Communities of Arkansas.
Each film will screen at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Here’s the lineup:
- April 19: “True Conviction“ hosted by Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement
- April 26: “Meet the Patels” hosted by Arkansas Minority Film & Arts Association
- May 3: “For Sama” hosted by Arkansas Cinema Society
- May 10: “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World” hosted by Just Communities of Arkansas
- May 17: “Music in Arkansas: Origins” hosted by Arkansas PBS
- May 24: “College Behind Bars” (parts one and two) hosted by Washitaw Foothills Youth Media Arts & Literacy Collective
- May 31: “College Behind Bars” (parts three and four) hosted by Washitaw Foothills Youth Media Arts & Literacy Collective
Participation is free, but registration is required. Register now on the Shelter-In-Place Virtual Film Series Facebook page.