‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Will Be Free For Underprivileged Kids at AMC Theaters

Ava DuVernay‘s upcoming movie adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time has the potential to have a huge influence on a whole generation of young viewers. An organization called Color of Change wants to make sure the film has the opportunity to inspire every child who wants to see it, not just the ones whose parents can afford the price of a movie ticket. So they’re teaming up with AMC theaters to make sure that underprivileged kids get to see the new movie for free.

Read more about the A Wrinkle in Time free screenings below.

Give A Child The Universe Initiative

Entertainment Weekly reports that racial justice organization Color of Change has partnered with AMC Theaters for the “Give a Child the Universe” initiative, which encourages individuals and other benefactors to buy and donate tickets so disadvantaged children can see the film. The initiative is hoping to allow kids to see a matinee screening of A Wrinkle in Time at their local AMC theater on opening day, which is Friday, March 9. Once they receive the donations, Color of Change will distribute the tickets through local affiliates, schools, and community organizations.

A Great Match

This really is the perfect movie for this initiative. Madeline L’Engle’s 1962 A Wrinkle in Time novel is an imaginative and award-winning children’s classic beloved by generations, and DuVernay’s movie is particularly well-positioned to leave a huge impact on the same age group that’s traditionally loved the book. I remember watching movies as a kid and feeling a special connection with kid characters in movies, so I imagine it will be all the more powerful for today’s audiences that Meg Murry, the book’s thirteen-year-old protagonist, is being played by a black actress (Storm Reid) in the film. Seeing a young black girl save the world could be a game-changer for these kids – especially the ones who don’t always have the opportunity to go to the movies.

Rashad Robinson, Color of Change’s executive director, released a statement:

“Color of Change believes in the power of images and supports those working to change the rules in Hollywood so that inclusive, empathetic and human portrayals of Black people and people of color are prominent on the screen. From Selma to now A Wrinkle In Time, Ava DuVernay has set out to change the rules in Hollywood for people of color and women. By casting a black teenage actress Storm Reid as the heroine at the center of this story, the filmmakers and the studio send a powerful message to millions of young people who will see someone like them embracing their individuality and strength to save the world. We are pleased to partner with AMC to ensure that as many young people as possible, regardless of economic and financial hardships, can see this groundbreaking film.”

The Black Panther Effect

This initiative is also coming at an excellent time, because awareness of these types of issues is high right after Black Panther. In a similar way, that movie inspired tons of people to raise money to make sure kids could see a black superhero set an example for a younger generation (along with all of the badass women in that film).

Viral videos spread all across social media of kids freaking out when they learned they’d be able to go see Black Panther, and actress Octavia Spencer even bought out a theater for kids to see the film while she was making a movie on location in Mississippi.

That’s Nice, AMC, But…

As cool as this initiative is, I can’t let this article end without saying that I’m a little disappointed in AMC. In a perfect world, they would have taken a small loss and provided funding for this initiative themselves (or at least donated a significant amount to it). I guess even the world’s biggest theater chain isn’t in a strong enough financial position to be losing money right now, which itself is a sad commentary on the state of the theater industry right now.

But enough with the sad trombone. Head to GiveAChildTheUniverse.com and donate to let a kid see A Wrinkle in Time free of charge!

A Wrinkle in Time hits theaters on March 9, 2018.

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