ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre will screen the sci-fi classic The Matrix (1999) as a special Pride Month presentation on Friday, June 16, at 8 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. This screening is co-presented by OUT Maine.

In The Matrix, a beautiful stranger (Carrie Ann Moss) leads computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) to a forbidding underworld. There he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence. Neo joins legendary and dangerous rebel warrior Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) in the battle to destroy the illusion enslaving humanity.

Trangender themes in the Matrix series have been recognized by viewers and movie critics, according to The Strand, in a news release. Lilly Wachowski, who co-directed the films with her sister, Lana, has confirmed that the films should be read as allegories for the transgender narrative. Subsequent to the films’ release, both sisters came out as trans – Lana in 2012 and Lilly in 2016.

OUT Maine strives to create welcoming communities for queer and trans youth, kids, and teens with all intersectional identities. Find more information on their website at outmaine.org.

This film is rated R.

Tickets are $8/General Admission, $7/Strand Members, and will be available at the box office 30 minutes prior to show time.

For more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com  or call (207) 594-0070 EX 3.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.