Belcourt Theatre Toby Leonard wrote on his Facebook page this morning, “Today should prove to be a very interesting day,” we knew something was up. Yesterday, there was an open letter Art House Convergence The Interview . Earlier this month, Sony pulled plans to release the film after hackers threatened attacks on theaters.
Then this morning, Variet y THE INTERVIEW , we have adjusted our showtimes to accommodate an opening this Thursday, Dec 25 .” Leonard’s second status update of the day appeared shortly after: “Merry Christmas. (head hits desk),” with a link to the Belcourt’s web site and schedule for The Interview here
The Franklin Theatre
Belcourt executive director Stephanie Silverman issued this statement on the Belcourt’s web site
As one of the many American art house theatres behind an open letter to Sony offering to show THE INTERVIEW, our decision to screen it was made thoughtfully and seriously. As an art house, we are uniquely positioned to understand the important of showing films that give voice to diverse and sometimes controversial perspectives. While THE INTERVIEW was never initially slated as part of programming, the dramatic events of recent days have shifted the conversation beyond this specific movie. The context is now about audiences’ right to see a film—any film.
I, my Belcourt colleagues, and the entire art house community have great empathy for Sony and our exhibition brothers and sisters who had to make some initial difficult calls. The release this week of THE INTERVIEW underscores the fundamental importance of freedom of expression in our industry and for our audience
The Belcourt is a Nashville treasure, one we’re honored every day to have in our community. Today, we’re particularly proud of it, and its role nationally as a leader in stressing the importance of freedom of expression without fear.
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