Free virtual theater launched by Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation

By: Mou Mita Das

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Film Foundation has launched a free-of-cost virtual theater. Martin Scorsese founded this non-profit organization in 1990 to preserve the rich legacy of filmography and classic films. The organization has named this ambitious project “Film Foundation Restoration Screening Room“. As per official sources, its official launch will happen on May 9, 2022.

This virtual theater will display classic and old Hollywood movies from the World Cinema Project. The organization also collaborated with other eminent foundations like the British Film Institute National Archive and others to offer online movie streaming.

This unique platform is the brainchild of Critic-cum-director Kent Jones and Martin Scorsese.

Official launch statement

The official website of Film Foundation announced the launch of Restoration Screening Room on 22nd april. The statement also stated that the streaming service would start with the movie “I Know Where I’m Going!”. This particular movie starring Michel Powell and Emeric Pressburger is about a classic love story against the backdrop of Scotland. The movie was restored recently and will be open for live screening on FRSR.

poster of I Know Where I’m Going

Martin Scorsese sounded excited, “We’re looking forward to making these beautiful restorations available to a wide audience. Many of these presentations will feature restorations that are rarely seen, with myself and other filmmakers sharing why these films are important, how they have impacted our lives, and why it’s crucial that they be preserved.”

The opening screening by Film Foundation

On May 9, the movie “I Know Where I’m Going!” will be introduced by The founder of the Film Foundation Restoration Screening Room. It will also feature a discussion featuring actor Tilda Swinton, Director Kevin McDonald, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Joanna Hogg. Here, the opinion of Thelma matters most as she is the wife of Late Powell. She also has worked tirelessly to preserve her husband’s legacy since his death.

The facilities of the Film Foundation Restoration Screening Room

Each movie will be available for streaming during a specified 24-hour window slot. The virtual movie theater will continue screening new movies on the second Monday of each month. Each streaming slot will also have a special discussion panel like the movie “I Know Where I’m Going” to educate viewers and offer valuable insights.

A screen shot of the virtual theatre

Screening of other movies

The virtual theater also has plans to stream other classic movies like Marlon Brando’s “One Eyed Jacks”, “Las Strada” by Federico Fellini, “Kummatti” directed by G. Aravindan, “Lost Lost Lost” by Jonas Mekas. Some other movies like “moulin Rouge” by John Huston, “The Chase” by Arthur Ripley, and “Sambizanga” a movie by Sarah Maldoror.

Another highlight of this virtual theater will be “Detour” by Edger G. Ulmer, a noir-style double feature film.

Ending Notes

Restoration Screning Room by Film Foundation is an ambitious yet helpful project that may offer people a chance to rewatch the bygone era classics through an OTT platform. If you love watching such movies, it is time to book your slot in the Restoration Room from May 9.  

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