In celebration of Black History Month, 21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres are joining forces to provide free screenings of Academy Award nominated film “Hidden Figures” in communities across the country. The film – starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe – tells the “untold” story of three African American female NASA mathematicians during the Space Race of the 1960’s. “Hidden Figures” has been nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer’s portrayal of Dorothy Vaughan. “Hidden Figures” continues to inspire audiences across the country, having already crossed $144 million in box office receipts.
The screenings are intended to build broader awareness of the true story on which the film is based and inspire younger generations to follow their dreams. The powerful “Hidden Figures” story has been particularly impactful in encouraging young women, and especially women of color, to pursue studies and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
“I believe seeing this movie will give us girls the inspiration we need to say, I can be a mathematician, an engineer or better yet, an astronaut,” said Taylor Richardson, a seventh-grade student from Florida who loves science and wants to be an astronaut herself.
Free screenings will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. in the following cities: Atlanta; Baltimore; The Bronx, N.Y.; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Oakland, Calif.; St. Louis; Miami; and Washington, D.C. Tickets can be reserved and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
“As we celebrate Black History Month and look ahead to Women’s History Month in March, this story of empowerment and perseverance is more relevant than ever. We at 21CF were inspired by the grassroots movement to bring this film to audiences that wouldn’t otherwise be able to see it – audiences that might include future innovators and barrier-breakers – and we wanted to support and extend that movement,” said Liba Rubenstein, 21st Century Fox’s Senior Vice President of Social Impact.
In addition to Feb. 18’s free screenings, 21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres invite school and community groups and nonprofit organizations to apply for additional special screenings to be held in their towns. Groups can apply for consideration. The application deadline is Feb. 28, 2017, and winners will be notified in March 2017.
“The storytelling and message that ‘Hidden Figures’ carries is endearing and inspiring, and based on the remarkable community support this movie has received, we have witnessed first-hand the powerful impact it is having on audiences,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP and Chief Content & Programming Officer, AMC. “We’re honored to partner with Fox to help further the reach of this message to moviegoers across the country.”
21st Century Fox also recently completed “The Search for Hidden Figures” contest to uncover the next generation of female leaders in STEM fields. More than $200,000 in scholarships and awards were distributed. More information on the contest is available on the 21st Century Fox Social Impact blog.
