Lights, Camera, Action: Movies while Quarantined

Photo courtesy to Normal Theater Facebook page

NORMAL, Ill.- While the Normal Theater is currently closed, fans can still view its scheduled new films online.

The Normal Theater is now offering “Virtual Screenings” of films that were originally slated to appear on its programming calendar as well as additional film options that might not have otherwise found an audience in Central Illinois.

“It has been amazing to see how theaters and film distributors have responded to our current reality,” said Civic Arts Manager for the Town of Normal and lead Programmer for Normal Theater Adam Fox.

“Films that would traditionally have only been available in theaters are now available to view at home, but in a way that directly benefits art house cinemas. We’re still able to curate a film series for our audiences; they’re just watching it on their home screens rather than ours,” said Fox.

Films open on a Friday and run through the following Sunday, but audiences can watch them whenever they choose.

After purchasing a ticket, viewers are sent a link or access code to watch the film within a certain window, generally 48-72 hours, much like pay per view.

Pricing is set by the distributors and varies between titles.

Currently showing via “Virtual Screenings” at the Normal Theater is the new Brazilian satire Bacurau. Also showing is Extra Ordinary, which is a new Irish supernatural comedy.

Photo courtesy to Normal Theater Facebook page

Both films are available to watch through Sunday, April 12.

Opening on Friday, April 10 is the new American indie comedy Saint Frances, a standout from last year’s SXSW Film Festival.

Also opening is And Then We Danced, the story of a romance between dancers in the National Georgian Ensemble.

Additional titles will be announced each week.

Additional updates can be found on the theater’s Facebook page.