*All roads lead to “Selma,” for nearly 30,000 New York City seventh, eighth and ninth grade students, thanks to area black business leaders.
Paramount Pictures announced that 27 donors have paid for students’ admission to various theaters around the city to see the Ava DuVernay-helmed film. The announcement, which was made Wednesday on the studio’s Facebook page, mentioned that students can obtain free admission to “Selma” by showing their ID or report card at one of 27 participating theaters through January 19.
“Selma” centers around the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. The feature, which stars David Oyelowo and Oprah Winfrey, has garnered critical acclaim as well as Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for its cast and crew.
“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s momentous journey in Alabama is an important piece of American history,” said Bill Lewis, co-chairman of the investment bank Lazard. “We are passionate about bringing this story to New York City’s students, and we encourage business leaders in other cities to organize similar programs so that more students around the country have the chance to see this powerful film about an epic chapter in American history.”
In addition to the participating theaters, Paramount’s Facebook release notes that multiple New York City organizations, including the Apollo Theater and The New York Public Library, will screen “Selma” and host discussions on the film.
“Selma” is currently playing in wide release in theaters.
