Watching films for charity? Lionsgate Live is making it happen!
The magic of cinema is one of the few things that remains undimmed by the realities of lockdown, and no-one knows this better than film distributors Lionsgate UK. Undaunted by cinema closures, and keen to help NHS and film charities, they’re hosting a series of free film nights – bringing four of their favourite cinematic releases to the nation as part of Lionsgate Live.
Kicking off on May 2 with a screening of Oscar-winning musical La La Land, Lionsgate Live brings the magic of movies direct to your home, with a live stream that aims to celebrate the communal experience of cinema-going (whilst maintaining social distancing, of course). Each Saturday at 6pm, they’ll release a new film on their YouTube channel, with Eddie The Eagle (May 9), Bend It Like Beckham (May 16), and The Hunger Games (May 23) following La La Land to the screen.
Of course, they want to sprinkle a little stardust over proceedings, too – which is why each film night will have a celebrity host, with Edith Bowman, Jack Whitehall, Jonathan Ross, and Keith Lemon lined up to present. Expect a whole cavalcade of fun extras, ranging from guest appearances to costume contests, and fan chats to prize giveaways.
Lionsgate UK is teaming up with cinema chains and independent cinemas from around the country to make this happen, and have also joined forces with popcorn legends Joe & Seph’s, who are delivering three gourmet popcorn bundles with a neat 10% discount. Because really, a cinema trip without popcorn is like a day without sunshine.
Oh, and there’s one more reason why you’ll want to join in with Lionsgate Live: audiences will be able to join the Lionsgate UK team with a charity appeal. They’ve chosen to support two vital appeals, the NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal – who support NHS staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients – and The Film and TV Charity COVID-19 Emergency Response, which works to help people behind the scenes of the film business affected by the outbreak. So snag a spot on the sofa, grab the popcorn, and watch the cinematic magic unfold knowing that you’re doing some good in the world!