"Life Itself" should be shown in Frederick

There are many attractions during the summer- fireworks, festivals, concerts- and movies.  There's those typical "summer blockbusters" in cinemas (and multiplexes) throughout the nation (mostly horror flicks, properties that are based off of action figures, computer-generated features, and unusual comedies).

Documentaries are often ignored (or overlooked) by theaters in the Frederick, Maryland area.  In this author's view, it is unfortunate that these types of films (along with art-house and vintage features) are being under-appreciated in the area.

Roger Ebert (1942-2013) and Gene Siskel (1946-1999) in Life Itself,
a Magnolia Pictures release.  Photo Credit: Kevin Horan

There is one feature-length documentary that I would like to see on the big screen.  Life Itself- a motion picture about the life and legacy of renowned film critic Roger Ebert (1942-2013).  The film is directed by Steve James.  The producers of the documentary are Zak Piper, James Basch, and Garrett Bash.   Martin Scorsese and Steven Zallian served as executive producers of the film.  The Ebert documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

Life Itself will be released to theaters (and universities) nationwide on July 4th.  According to the list of theaters (and venues) that are showing the documentary- none of the theaters in the Frederick, Maryland area are listed.  The closest cinema venue would be the Landmark E Street Cinema in Washington, D.C.

Many of the theaters (listed on the film's website) have Life Itself scheduled for various dates (after July 4th), with the last exhibition date slated for August 22nd (at the University of Wisconsin).

The film is being released by Magnolia Pictures, a company that is known for releasing their line of feature films on various platforms in addition to cinema exhibition (on the same release date).  Magnolia has offered an option for theaters and venues who are interested in showing Life Itself- on the film's website, exhibitionists can request a screening of the film for their cinema (or venue).

At The Matinee has suggested this documentary to the management of MDL Holiday Cinemas, so that they might be interested in showing the film (in the near future).  Be on the lookout for future updates on this.  I think it would be great for the Frederick area to showcase Life Itself on the big screen.

NOTE: I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the "summer blockbusters" in theaters (that are close to ATM's home base)- I just think there should be more variety when it comes to movie choices in the area.