While its physical doors are temporarily closed, the Strand Theatre will continue to offer a weekly schedule of 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.  Once viewers have purchased a ticket, they will have several days in which to watch the film.

Upcoming films:

July 24 - 30:  Picture of His Life

Amos Nachoum is one of the greatest underwater photographers of all times. Fascinated by the most fearsome creatures on Earth, he has developed a unique approach that puts him face to face with his subjects, without any protection. He swam with crocodiles and killer whales, with anacondas and with great white sharks but one major predator has always eluded him, the Polar bear. He tried before and barely escaped, but now, after four decades in the wilderness, Amos is determined to give it one last shot.

Directed by Dani Menkin and Yonatan Nir. The film is not rated. Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes.

July 31 - Aug. 6:  The Fight

SHORT SYNOPSIS: 

At this defining moment in American history, The Fight follows a scrappy team of heroic ACLU lawyers in an electrifying battle over abortion rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ rights and voting rights. Directed by Elyse Steinberg, Josh Kreigman and Eli Depres. PG-13. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes.

FULL SYNOPSIS: 

Only days after the 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump, furious Americans gathered at airports across the country in protest of the Muslim ban. But it was the efforts of the American Civil Liberties Union, waging the fight in federal court, that turned the tide, staying the executive order on grounds of unconstitutionality. The ACLU has never granted access to its offices, even as its battles — on the fronts of abortion rights, immigration rights, LGBT rights and voting rights — have become more timely and momentous than ever.

With The Fight, access has finally been granted to the filmmaking team of Eli B. Despres, Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, makers of 2016’s award-winning Weiner. Rousing, inspiring and slyly humorous, their latest documentary follows four seismically important cases and a handful of magnetic attorneys. These lawyers may not know how to charge a cell phone or operate a stand-up desk but have persuaded Supreme Court Justices, beating back serious encroachments upon our freedoms.

An antidote to endless news cycles filled with tweet tantrums, The Fight inspires with the story of front-line warriors in the battle for the American soul. Directed by Elyse Steinberg, Josh Kreigman and Eli Depres. PG-13. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes.

Virtual tickets cost $10-12, and will be available on the Strand Theatre website during each film’s screening dates. Proceeds from the ticket purchases will be shared between the Strand and the film distribution companies, and will provide much-needed support while the theater’s doors are temporarily closed to regular shows.

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