The Strand Theatre continues to present new release films that viewers can watch through online streaming platforms. By purchasing a “virtual ticket,” movie fans can still see the films that would have shown at the theater. Ticket proceeds are split between the Strand and the movie distribution company, so a viewer’s purchase is a simple and direct way to provide much-needed support for the theater, according to Strand, in a news release.

Showing Oct. 9 - 23 is Zeppelin Zeerip and Galen Knowles’ visionary new documentary ​The Ground Between Us. The film ​invites viewers to join the 150 year old movement to protect America’s public lands.

The Ground Between Us ​explores the public lands debate in a unique way, by presenting the reality of the people who live and work on public lands but hold vastly different connections and perspectives. Through these stories, co-directors Zeppelin Zeerip and Galen Knowles ask: “Can public lands help to unite a divided America?”

Since 2017, public lands throughout America have faced unprecedented threats.

Bears Ears National Monument was shrunk by 85%, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was opened to oil exploration, and the Elliott State Forest in Oregon was nearly privatized. Throughout this, Americans from both sides of the political spectrum have stood up and made their voices heard in support of protecting these areas.

The Ground Between Us ​follows the key issues of the public lands debate through the eyes of three families. In Alaska, an indigenous tribe are claiming back their culture; in Oregon, meet a family with a long history of living and working in the forests as loggers, and in Utah, a family of ranchers hailing from the old west are bringing up a new generation to appreciate the lands that are such an integral part of their lives.

“These families embody the conversations and points of view that are so important when debating American citizen’s rights to public land,” said Strand. “But despite their differences they have one thing in common: their love and commitment to the public lands that they call home.

“Through stunning visuals capturing the incredible natural beauty of public lands, alongside these powerful stories, Zeppelin and Galen aim to reach out to people on both sides of this movement – young and old, to inspire a new wave of public lands champions in unexpected places.”

Virtual tickets cost $12 and will be available on the Strand Theatre website during the film’s screening dates.

For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com, email: info@rocklandstrand.com, or call (207) 594-0070. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street, Rockland, ME 04841