Regardless of its critical or financial success, Selma was always going to be seen as an important film upon its release. That’s because it documents one of the most tumultuous periods in American history through the eyes of one of the most heroic Americans ever: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Now, to make sure that the movie is seen by as many impressionable youths as possible, thousands of middle schoolers will be able to watch the film without paying a penny.
After recognizing the value of allowing middle schoolers to see Selma, a team of African-American business leaders have co-ordinated together to underwrite free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film. You can head over to SelmaStudentTickets.com for more information on how to get your hands on the free tickets, and where exactly the deal applies.
The aforementioned website explains that any 7th, 8th, or 9th graders that are interested in going to see Selma simply have to present their student IDs or report cards to the box office of their theater to receive their free tickets. A plethora of cinemas in Boston, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Sarasota, and Westchester have already opened their doors to the appropriately aged individuals interested in watching the film. But if you don’t live in any of these areas, there’s no need to fret just yet. Because over the new few days even more cities will be announced.
This initiative was originally run in New York City, and due to its unprecedented success - which saw 27,000 of the 7th, 8th and 9th graders from New York’s five boroughs see the film for free - the decision was soon made to extend it to other bustling US cities. Directed by Ava DuVernay, Selma has been with widespread critical acclaim since it originally had a limited release on Christmas Day. It was given a wide release this past weekend.
Selma depicts the hugely chaotic and tumultuous three months in 1965 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (who is portrayed by David Oyelowo) marched into the heavily segregated areas between Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. In the run-up to this event, King and thousands of other demonstrators were met with violence and hostility wherever they went. The likes of Tom Wilkinson as Lyndon B. Johnson, Tim Roth as George Wallace, Common as James Bevel, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, and Oprah Winfrey as Annie Lee Cooper, also star in Selma, which has won terrific praise for the performances from its hugely impressive cast.
Selma has also been met with some criticism in recent weeks because of its historical inaccuracies, however. The depiction of President Lyndon Johnson has been specifically targeted, with experts suggesting that there wasn’t nearly as much ferocious tension between Martin Luther King, Jr. and the president, as the film shows. Either way, that shouldn’t stop middle schoolers from going to see Selma in droves, and in the process learn about one of the important periods in American history. Especially since, you know, it’s free.
