U.K.-based Secret Cinema, which stages events that combine live performances involving audience participation with the screening of a film, is staging a one-off Secret Screening in London on Sunday, Dec. 21, to protest the attack on “The Interview” by hackers and the subsequent pulling of the film from theaters by Sony Pictures.
All proceeds from the event will go to global free speech charity Article 19.
Screenings have also been added in San Francisco, Rome and Los Angeles.
In a press release, Secret Cinema said it “passionately believes in the freedom to create” and is looking for partners around the world to join them in hosting a simultaneous screening “with a view to strengthen the resolve of filmmakers and artists against the threat of censorship, and to stand in solidarity with artists whose freedom of expression is routinely curtailed.”
Secret Cinema raised $37,000 in August for mental health charity Mind when it screened “Dead Poet’s Society.”
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As with all Secret Cinema events, the film to be screened will remain under wraps until curtain time. As the org does, however, issue dress codes for its screenings in order to create a themed event, Sunday’s audience is requested to wear dark suits and to bring a small gift to give to a stranger.
It asks to show support of the cause using #freedomtocreate on Twitter. Parties interested in setting up screenings outside London can contact Secret Cinema via SecretScreening@SecretCinema.org.
For tickets for the San Francisco screening, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/secret-cinema-article19-charity-screening-in-san-francisco-tickets-15007376467
