More than 180 movie theatres across the United States will screen the film “1984” on April 4 as a reaction to US President Donald Trump’s administration.
The film, a 1980s adaptation of the book of the same name by George Orwell, will be screened in 165 cities across 43 US states, as well as in Canada, England, Sweden and Croatia, according to a website that describes the event and lists the venues.
“Less than one month into the new presidential administration, theater owners collectively believe the clock is already striking thirteen,” the website says.
“Orwell’s portrait of a government that manufactures their own facts, demands total obedience, and demonizes foreign enemies, has never
been timelier.”
The screenings will take place April 4 because that is the date the story’s main character, Winston Smith, starts a diary, the website
says.
The movie’s director, Michael Radford, will film an introduction and discussion to be played with the film, Variety magazine reported.
Some of the proceeds from the day will be donated or used to underwrite other “educational and community-related” programming, the event website says.
Proceeds from a showing in Lansing, for instance – in the mid-western state of Michigan – will go to an arts advocacy group and a refugee development centre, according to an online event listing.
