The Paradise Theatre wants to send frontline workers to the movies.
As part of the newly renovated Bloor West theatre’s Pay It Forward campaign, every time you buy a virtual screening ticket you will also buy two tickets for frontline workers to attend a movie at the Paradise once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided and social distancing measures have been lifted.
The Paradise, along with the Beach’s Fox Theatre introduced virtual screenings in March, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced all non-essential businesses to close. Independent film distributors like Film Movement and KinoLorber are working with local cinemas across North America to make first-run films available through a virtual screening room, with half the proceeds supporting the shuttered venues.
The Pay It Forward campaign is inspired by a GoFundMe drive hosted by England’s Jam Jar cinema for frontline workers in the UK.
“We’re excited to give back to those working so hard to protect Torontonians by treating them to a great night out,” says Sonya William, director of communications at Paradise, in a statement.
“When the necessity of social distancing comes to a close, Paradise will have what we’ve been missing: the opportunity to enjoy the company of others, delighting in a shared experience, outside of work.”
Films currently showing virtually via the Paradise Theatre include Oscar-nominated Polish film Corpus Christi, Luchino Visconti’s newly restored period piece L’Innocente, Chinese neo-noir The Wild Goose Lake and CatVideoFest, a greatest hits compilation starring the internet’s favourite pet.
@JustSayRad